answer

n.

1. A reply

   response, reply, return, statement, antiphon, retort, riposte, echo, reverberation, reaction, retaliation, repartee, password, rebuttal, approval, replication, acknowledgment, sign, rejoinder, comeback, back talk*.

   Antonyms question*, query*, request. *

2. A solution

   discovery, find, solution, result, disclosure, revelation, explanation, interpretation, clue, resolution, elucidation, key, the why and the wherefore*, the idea*, the dope*.

3. A defense

   plea, counterclaim, rebuttal; see defense 3.

answer

v.

1. To reply

   reply, respond, rejoin, retort, acknowledge, give answer, field questions, say, echo, return, remark, make reply, return for answer, talk back*, answer back*, come back with*, flash back*, shoot back*.

   Antonyms ask, question*, inquire. *

2. To be sufficient

   fill, satisfy, fulfill; see satisfy 3.

3. To move in response

   return, refute, retaliate, react, deny, dispute, rebut, parry, argue, plead, defend, contest, rejoin, claim, quash, counterclaim, crush, strike back, backfire*, squelch*, smash*, squash*. *

   Antonyms admit, agree, take.

4. To provide a solution

   solve, elucidate, clarify; see explain, solve.

answer implies saying, writing, or acting in return, as required by the situation or by courtesy to answer a letter, to answer the phone; respond implies an appropriate reaction, either in words or action, made voluntarily or spontaneously to that which serves as a stimulus to respond to an appeal; reply in its strictest application refers to an answer that directly or in detail satisfies a question, charge, etc.; retort suggests a reply, esp. one that is sharp or witty, provoked by a charge or criticism; rejoin implies an answer, originally to a reply, now often to an objection