answer
noun
1. a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation
- I waited several days for his answer
Similar word(s): reply, response
Definition categories: communication, statement
2. a statement that solves a problem or explains how to solve the problem
- the answers were in the back of the book
Similar word(s): resolution, result, solution, solvent
Definition categories: communication, statement
3. the speech act of replying to a question
Definition categories: communication, reply, response
4. the principal pleading by the defendant in response to plaintiff's complaint; in criminal law it consists of the defendant's plea of `guilty' or `not guilty' (or nolo contendere); in civil law it must contain denials of all allegations in the plaintiff's complaint that the defendant hopes to controvert and it can contain affirmative defenses or counterclaims
Definition categories: communication, pleading
5. a nonverbal reaction
- his answer to any problem was to get drunk
- their answer was to sue me
Definition categories: act, reaction, response
Sentences with answer as a noun:
- Her answer to his proposal was a slap in the face.
- There is no simple answer to corruption.
verb
1. react verbally
- She didn't want to answer
- answer the question
- We answered that we would accept the invitation
Similar word(s): reply, respond
Definition categories: communication, say, state, tell
2. respond to a signal
- answer the door
- answer the telephone
Definition categories: cognition, react, respond
3. give the correct answer or solution to
- answer a question
- answer the riddle
Definition categories: cognition, lick, solve, work
4. understand the meaning of
- The question concerning the meaning of life cannot be answered
Similar word(s): resolve
Definition categories: cognition, lick, solve, work
5. give a defence or refutation of (a charge) or in (an argument)
- The defendant answered to all the charges of the prosecution
Definition categories: communication, rebut, refute
6. be liable or accountable
- She must answer for her actions
Definition categories: stative, be
7. be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity
- A few words would answer
Similar word(s): do, serve, suffice
Definition categories: stative, fulfil, fulfill, satisfy
8. match or correspond
- The drawing of the suspect answers to the description the victim gave
Definition categories: stative, agree, check, correspond, fit, gibe, jibe, match, tally
9. be satisfactory for; meet the requirements of or serve the purpose of
- This may answer her needs
Definition categories: consumption, fill, fit, fulfil, fulfill, meet, satisfy
10. react to a stimulus or command
- The steering of my new car answers to the slightest touch
Definition categories: cognition, react, respond
Sentences with answer as a verb:
- He answered the question.
- to answer a charge or accusation
- She answered the door.
- Nobody answered when I knocked on the door.
- It answers the need.
- The man must answer to his employer for the money entrusted to his care.
- He has a lot to answer for.
- He answered my claim upon him.
- The servant answered the bell.