Main entry: reply, response, answer
Definition: a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation
Usage: I waited several days for his answer; he wrote replies to several of his critics
Definition: the speech act of continuing a conversational exchange
Usage: he growled his reply
Main entry: answer, reply, respond
Definition: react verbally
Usage: She didn't want to answer; answer the question; We answered that we would accept the invitation