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answer

an·swer

answer

 
 
pronunciation:
aen sr
parts of speech:
noun, intransitive verb, transitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (noun, verb), Word Explorer
part of speech: noun
definition 1: a reply, or the information that is sought after.
I asked her twice if she was coming with us, but she gave me no answer.I found the answer to my question in the encyclopedia.
synonyms:
replication, reply, response, return
similar words:
acknowledgment, comeback, rejoinder, retort, riposte
definition 2: an action in response.
She rudely demanded that he give her her sandals, and his answer was to throw them at her.
synonyms:
comeback, reply, return
similar words:
acknowledgment, reaction, rejoinder, response, retort, riposte
definition 3: the solution to a problem.
The answer for these dirty old walls is a new coat of paint.
synonyms:
solution
similar words:
explanation, interpretation
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part of speech: intransitive verb
inflections: answers, answering, answered
definition 1: to reply in words or respond in action.
She understood the question, but she was too timid to answer.I knocked on the door, but no one answered.
synonyms:
rejoin, respond, return
similar words:
counter, react, reply, retort, riposte
definition 2: to be responsible to someone (usu. fol. by "to").
Everyone who works here answers to the director.You're not my boss; I don't have to answer to you.
similar words:
obey
definition 3: to endure punishment or hardship as a result of one's deeds (usu. fol. by "for").
She will answer for her lies someday.
synonyms:
suffer
similar words:
atone, pay
definition 4: to fit or conform (usu. fol. by "to").
The suspect answers to that description.
synonyms:
fit, satisfy
 
part of speech: transitive verb
definition 1: to respond or reply to.
The judge told the witness to answer the question.I asked a simple question, but no one would answer me.Did he ever answer your letter?
synonyms:
respond
similar words:
acknowledge, reply, retort
definition 2: to fit or conform to; fulfill.
It's not a great car, but it answers my needs.
synonyms:
fulfill, satisfy, suffice, suit
similar words:
serve
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