an·swer
ˈan(t)-sər 
1
a
: something spoken or written in reply to a question
His answer surprised us.
b
: a correct response
knows the answer
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
The show is television's answer to the newsmagazines.
answered; answering
ˈan(t)s-riŋ
ˈan(t)-sə-
1
: to speak or write in reply
think carefully before answering
2
3
: to be in conformity or correspondence
She answered to the description.
4
: to act in response to an action performed elsewhere or by another
The home team scored first but the visitors answered quickly.
5
: to be adequate : serve
an old bucket answered for a sink
The school had to answer for a town hall.
1
a
: to speak or write in reply to
answer a question
answer me
b
: to say or write by way of reply
answer yes or no
2
: to reply to in rebuttal, justification, or explanation
answer an accusation
3
a
: to correspond to
answers the description
b
: to be adequate or usable for : fulfill
answer a need
4
: to act in response to
answered the call to arms
5
: to offer a solution for
6
obsolete
: to atone for
Synonyms
Examples of answer in a Sentence
Noun
I asked him a simple question and he gave me a long and confusing answer.
I didn't believe her answer.
They wouldn't give me a straight answer to my question.
I didn't know the right answer.
That is the wrong answer.
Do you know the answer to this question?
He knew the answers to only 3 of the 10 questions.
The answers are listed in the back of the book.
Verb
She answered all my questions.
He answered only three of the test questions correctly.
When the police asked him his name, he refused to answer.
When I ask you a question I expect you to answer me!
Answer me this: where have you put my money?
I sent her a letter asking for her help, but she never answered.
The phone rang repeatedly, but no one answered.
Would somebody please answer the phone?
I knocked on the door but no one answered.
No one answered the door.
Recent Examples on the Web
Audrey Noble, Vogue, 23 Nov. 2024
The answer is that immigrants and minorities, particularly working-class ones, are unhappy with the economy and much else.
—Basel Touchan, TIME, 22 Nov. 2024
Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2024
Every week, Allworth Financial’s Amy Wagner and Steve Hruby, CFP®, answer your questions.
—Amy Wagner and Steve Hruby, The Enquirer, 22 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for answer 
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Noun
The short answer to this is yes, cold showers can be good for you.
—Audrey Noble, Vogue, 23 Nov. 2024
The answer is that immigrants and minorities, particularly working-class ones, are unhappy with the economy and much else.
—Basel Touchan, TIME, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
The town’s old post office provides desks for writing letters to Santa; each note is thoughtfully answered by the postmaster and mailed back before the big day.
—Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2024
Every week, Allworth Financial’s Amy Wagner and Steve Hruby, CFP®, answer your questions.
—Amy Wagner and Steve Hruby, The Enquirer, 22 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for answer
Dictionary Entries Near answer
Cite this Entry
“Answer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/answer. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
answer
1 of 2 noun
an·swer
ˈan(t)-sər
1
a
: something spoken or written in reply especially to a question
b
: a correct response
knew the answer
c
: a solution of a problem
2
: something said or done in response
answer
2 of 2 verb
answered; answering
ˈan(t)s-(ə-)riŋ
1
: to speak or write in reply
2
a
: to take responsibility for something
answered for the children's safety
b
: to make amends
must answer for their crime
3
: conform sense 2, correspond
answered to the description
4
: to be what is needed for : serve
answered the purpose
5
: to find a solution for
answer a riddle
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