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Definitions

answer back

NOUN
comeback
Synonyms
STRONG
back talk impertinence quip rejoinder repartee reply response retaliation riposte
Antonyms
STRONG
question request
VERB
answer
Synonyms
STRONGEST
acknowledge argue claim defend deny explain plead resolve respond return say solve
STRONG
comeback contest counterclaim disprove dispute echo feedback parry rebut refute rejoin remark retaliate retort sass settle squelch top
WEAK
back at you back-talk be in touch field the question get back at get back to give a snappy comeback shoot back talk back
Antonyms
STRONGEST
agree ask deny ignore leave question renounce request wonder
STRONG
allow prove
VERB
back talk
Synonyms
STRONGEST
talk back
STRONG
argue mouth off sass
WEAK
complain protest
VERB
mouth off
Synonyms
WEAK
back-talk come back at sass sass back wise off
VERB
react
Synonyms
STRONGEST
acknowledge act answer behave counter feel perform proceed reply revert
STRONG
backfire boomerang echo function operate rebound reciprocate recoil recur return take work
WEAK
be affected bounce back get back at give a snappy comeback give back have a funny feeling have vibes talk back turn back
Antonyms
STRONGEST
cease halt question stop
STRONG
idle keep refuse
VERB
respond
Synonyms
STRONGEST
acknowledge answer behave come back counter react reply return
STRONG
reciprocate rejoin retort
WEAK
act in response be in touch with come back at come in feedback feel for field the question get back to get in touch talk back
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ask depart leave question request
VERB
retort
Synonyms
STRONGEST
rebut
STRONG
counter crack rejoin repay reply requite respond retaliate return riposte sass squelch top
WEAK
come back at shoot back snap back talk back
Antonyms
STRONG
ask question request take
VERB
sass
Synonyms
WEAK
back-talk give lip mouth off wise off

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Sometimes I answer back, even though I don’t think it cares too much.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 17, 2025

The Nationals’ 5-4 lead lasted until Irvin exited the game at the start of the seventh — opening the door for the Dodgers to finally answer back.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2025

Chief executives wanting to talk and embody values may find it difficult to answer back.

From BBC • Jul. 27, 2023

By the time he asks, “Can I get a Chaka Khan?” it’s impossible not to answer back.

From New York Times • Dec. 2, 2022

Ron was about to answer back when Professor Lupin stirred.

From "Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban" by J.K. Rowling