n.
Pronunciation: ' an(t)-s ə r
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English andswaru (akin to Old Norse andsvar answer); akin to Old English and- against, swerian to swear ― more at ANTE-
Date: before 12th century
1 a : something spoken or written in reply to a question b : a correct response <knows the answer >
2 : a reply to a legal charge or suit : PLEA also : DEFENSE
3 : something done in response or reaction <his only answer was to walk out>
4 : a solution of a problem <more money is not the answer >
5 : one that imitates, matches, or corresponds to another <television's answer to the news magazines>
synonyms ANSWER , RESPONSE , REPLY , REJOINDER , RETORT mean something spoken, written, or done in return. ANSWER implies the satisfying of a question, demand, call, or need <had answers to all their questions>. RESPONSE may imply a quick or spontaneous reaction to a person or thing that serves as a stimulus <a response to the call for recruits>. REPLY often suggests a thorough response to all issues, points, or questions raised <a point-by-point reply to the accusation>. REJOINDER can be a response to a reply or to an objection <a salesman with a quick rejoinder to every argument>. RETORT implies a reaction to an implicit or explicit charge, criticism, or attack which contains a countercharge or counterattack <she made a cutting retort to her critics>.