response
Americannoun
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an answer or reply, as in words or in some action.
- Synonyms:
- rejoinder
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Biology. any behavior of a living organism that results from an external or internal stimulus.
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Ecclesiastical.
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a verse, sentence, phrase, or word said or sung by the choir or congregation in reply to the officiant.
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Bridge. a bid based on an evaluation of one's hand relative to the previous bid of one's partner.
noun
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the act of responding; reply or reaction
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bridge a bid replying to a partner's bid or double
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(usually plural) Christianity a short sentence or phrase recited or sung by the choir or congregation in reply to the officiant at a church service
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electronics the ratio of the output to the input level, at a particular frequency, of a transmission line or electrical device
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any pattern of glandular, muscular, or electrical reactions that arises from stimulation of the nervous system
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A reaction, as that of an organism or any of its parts, to a specific stimulus.
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See more at classical conditioning
Related Words
See answer.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of response
First recorded in 1250–1300; from Latin respōnsum, noun use of neuter past participle of respondēre “to reply, answer”; replacing Middle English respounse, from Middle French respons, from Latin, as above; see respond
Explanation
A response is a reaction to a question, experience, or some other type of stimulus. If you cry at sad movies, you're having an emotional response to the drama that's taking place on the screen. A response can come in many forms, including an answer to a question, an emotional reaction, or a reply. If a teacher asks, "Who invented the phonograph?" She hopes her students will give her the response, "Why, Thomas Edison, of course!" When a parent tells a child not to cross the street when the light is red, he hopes the response will be compliance.
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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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.
“I want to be very clear that this action is not in any way a reflection of employee performance or dedication, but rather a difficult and necessary response to structural fiscal conditions.”
From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026
Bets on prediction markets – the main two being Polymarket and Kalshi – have soared in response to a surging demand for betting in the US.
From BBC • May 21, 2026
That essay prompted a bracing response from Luis and Pieter Garicano, a father-and-son duo who chronicle Europe’s economic dysfunctions.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026
There’s no doubt that the states want the federal government to be more involved, ultimately, in disaster preparation, recovery, and response.
From Slate • May 21, 2026
In the emergency response center, Superintendent Yoshida knew they were in serious trouble.
From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
