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response

[ri-spons] / rɪˈspɒns /
NOUN
answer, reaction
Synonyms
STRONGEST
feedback reply return
STRONG
acknowledgment antiphon comeback counter echo hit kickback lip rejoinder retort reverberation riposte sass vibes wisecrack
WEAK
back talk double-take knee-jerk reaction respond snappy comeback
Antonyms
STRONGEST
question request
STRONG
failure
WEAK
asking

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:

In response, the AGs claim these tools were intended to provide a patina of safety but didn’t stop compulsive use.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 16, 2026

“Nick’s sense of urgency is real, but it did not arise in a vacuum,” lawyers for the former manager of the trust wrote Thursday in a lengthy response to Reiner’s demand.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 16, 2026

Rather than appearing to reactivate because the immune system had been suppressed, these viruses seemed to become active in response to inflammation.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 16, 2026

German automakers are ramping up cost-cutting measures in response to a sluggish European market, overcapacity in the EV sector, and the rising strength of Chinese rivals.

From Barron's ● Aug. 16, 2026

It was the only response I’d ever heard her give to that question.

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo

In cancer research, they have been found to affect processes that include cancer metastasis and anti-tumor immune responses.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 15, 2026

So-called panic scams can work by triggering stress responses that shift victims into fight-or-flight, clouding rational thought, according to cybersecurity experts.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 13, 2026

"Opting people in by default is not consent," a user said in one of the tamer responses to Twitch's announcement on X.

From Barron's ● Aug. 13, 2026

The responses showed the students valued safety in the island, together with its community, natural beauty and beaches.

From BBC ● Aug. 12, 2026

Every time I call her, I’m given the same scripted responses.

From "Like Vanessa" by Tami Charles

Vocabulary lists containing response

PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade7)

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TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)

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The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 7

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