reply

nouns

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"; "he wrote replies to several of his critics"
answer, reply, response
the speech act of continuing a conversational exchange
"he growled his reply"
reply, response

verbs

react verbally
"She didn't want to answer"; "answer the question"; "We answered that we would accept the invitation"
answer, reply, respond