reply
noun
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”
the speech act of continuing a conversational exchange
“he growled his reply”
Synonymsresponse
verb
react verbally
“She didn't want to answer”
“answer the question”
Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University