I. noun
1.
something spoken or written by way of return to a question or demand
a sullen answer
Synonyms: antiphon, rejoinder, reply, respond, response, retort, return
Related Word: comment, observation, remark; defense, justification; rebuttal, refutation; replication
Contrasted words: inquiry, interrogation, query, question, quiz
2.
something attained by mental effort and especially by computation
got the answer by trial-and-error methods
Synonyms: result, solution
II. verb
1.
to say, write, or do something in response (as to a question)
answered his critics with documented facts
Synonyms: come in, rejoin, reply, respond, retort, return
Related Word: acknowledge, recognize; disprove, rebut, refute; countercharge, recriminate
Idioms: come back (at), make reply (to)
Contrasted words: ask, inquire, interrogate, query, question, quiz
2.
Synonyms: satisfy 5, fill, fulfill, meet