respond

Definition of respondnext
1
as in to react
to act or behave in response (as to a stimulus or influence) doctors studying how the brain responds to pain

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2
as in to reply
to speak or write in reaction to a question or to another reaction the students energetically participated in the discussion, responding to the teacher's questions and comments with alacrity and enthusiasm

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of respond Within about a week of that, Adnan had responded via email, and so began their storied correspondence. Literary Hub, 6 July 2026 That fact was starkly illustrated by the war in Iran, which saw Tehran effectively close the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic and Washington respond with a blockade of Iranian ports. John Calabrese, The Conversation, 6 July 2026 Often, standard mechanical grid equipment responds too slowly to these rapid fluctuations. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026 Jackson did not immediately respond when PEOPLE reached out for confirmation of a split at that time. Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for respond
Recent Examples of Synonyms for respond
Verb
  • As reflected in an email thread used in the Watson case, Valentine reacted skeptically in 2019 when a colleague told her a particular hospital wanted to exit its contract with Mead Johnson.
    David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Rip currents are formidable natural forces, but knowing how to react can significantly increase your chances of safely navigating these challenging waters.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Arie also replied to a post calling for a boycott of the song.
    Jack Irvin, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
  • An attorney for his company, America First Refining, replied to us with a letter dated June 24 that the attorney sent to Hostinger.
    Justin Elliott, ProPublica, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • The staff is friendly, knowledgeable and welcoming, ready to answer any questions guests might have about a cocktail menu that changes throughout the year.
    Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • These businesses live or die by people answering phones, booking jobs, chasing payments and calming down upset customers.
    Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Respond.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/respond. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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