RESPOND Synonyms: 51 Similar and Opposite Words

respond

verb

Definition of respond

as in to react

to act or behave in response (as to a stimulus or influence) doctors studying how the brain responds to pain

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 While older generations may interpret limited eye contact, a flat expression or a pause before responding as rude, lazy or unprofessional, that might not be a younger person’s intent at all, Leahy said. — CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 The Justice Department did not respond to an inquiry from The Times. — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026 The Bearcats responded with a nine-play, 80-yard drive and French’s fourth TD pass, a 17-yarder to Larenzo Fenner that extended Cincinnati’s lead to 31-15 with 50 seconds remaining in the third quarter. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 Aguilar’s supervisor contacted the BEP police, and Lock responded. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for respond

Recent Examples of Synonyms for respond

Verb

Trump has not reacted to the election results as of early Monday.

— Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 26 Oct. 2026
Many have reacted by retreating, focusing on cultivating niche audiences.

— Max Tani, semafor.com, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of react

Verb

Golden State answered with a three-pointer by Veronica Burton to briefly silence them.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
Young protestors answered with an insurrectionary energy in the summer and soon found support from a broader coalition comprised of opposition parties, social movements and other pillars of Indian civil society.

— Asim Ali, Time, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of answer

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resplendent

respond

responded

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Style

“Respond.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/respond. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of respond

verb

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