something said or written after a question, request, a letter asking for something etc

reply; reaction

to try to find out more about it

consequence

a response to earlier action or activity; opposition to progress or change; (an instance of) a change in one substance caused by another

response

a strong result or effect (of an event etc)

consequence

an act of replying; what is replied; answer

answer

to reply (the usual word); to act in answer to, or because of, the action of another

act in answer to something

an answer (the usual word); reaction

answer, reaction