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response

[ri-spons] / rɪˈspɒns /


Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for response?
A response is a reply or an answer—something said or done after someone else has said or done something. Like response, reply and answer can be used in the context of verbal responses (such as in speech or writing) as well as actions. The word acknowledgement refers to a response that simply acknowledges an initial message or action (as opposed to one that consists of new information or an action on the part of the one responding). Some responses come in the form of feedback. A reply to a comment—especially a quick and witty reply—is sometimes called a comeback, retort, rejoinder, or riposte. A response to an invitation is popularly called an RSVP, an abbreviation of the French phrase répondez s'il vous plaît, meaning “please respond.” In military and sports contexts, the word response is sometimes used as a general way of referring to a counterattack or counterstroke.
What is a more formal word for response?
Response is perhaps slightly more formal than its synonyms answer and reply, but there isn’t a more formal word that is commonly used. The more formal word rejoinder is sometimes used in specific legal contexts. A formal (as in an official) response is sometimes called a formal reply or an official reply.
What is the opposite (antonym) of response?
The opposite of a response is a nonresponse—when someone doesn’t reply or answer at all. The term lack of response is often used. In another sense, the opposite of a response could be thought of as the initial question, statement, comment, email, etc.—since this is what the response responds to.
Is it responce or response?
Response is spelled with an s, which you can also see in the related words responsive, responsible, and responsibility.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

The researchers found that polyethylene activated this protein, suggesting that it plays a significant role in the liver's response to microplastics.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 11, 2026

In a statement posted on its website, the visitor attraction said its emergency response procedures had been "immediately activated" and it was "working closely with the authorities to ascertain exactly what happened".

From BBC ● Oct. 10, 2026

The response was overwhelming, but it didn’t work.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 10, 2026

Putin received the proposals "with understanding", the Kremlin said, without elaborating on what the proposals were or the Russian president's response.

From Barron's ● Oct. 10, 2026

And I understand the hopeful, liquid expression in his eyes, and the way he searches my face for a response.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

The new reading reflects survey responses between Sept. 22 and Oct.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2026

The interim report was based on focus groups and nearly 700 responses from school, college and early years leaders who were invited to complete a survey following inspections this year.

From BBC ● Oct. 9, 2026

The researchers found substantial differences between the responses to D2 and D3, including changes involving the immune system.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 8, 2026

The strategy allows for real-time responses from customers about the technology, which has allowed Palantir to improve its product development and sustain its lead over software competitors, Borges said.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 8, 2026

There’s loud applause, but none of the other responses we got in the Capitol, the cheers and whoops and whistles.

From "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins




Vocabulary lists containing response


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