retort 1 of 2

noun

Definition of retortnext
1
as in riposte
a quick witty response she responded to the heckler with a scathing but hilarious retort that instantly won over the audience

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in response
something spoken or written in reaction especially to a question the salesclerk responded to my query about the price with a brusque retort

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

retort

2 of 2

verb

ri-ˈtȯrt How to pronounce retort (audio)
as in to respond
to speak or write in reaction to a question or to another reaction when told she couldn't have it, she retorted, "Fine, I didn't want it anyway!"

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun retort differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of retort are answer, rejoinder, reply, and response. While all these words mean "something spoken, written, or done in return," retort implies a reaction to an implicit or explicit charge, criticism, or attack which contains a countercharge or counterattack.

she made a cutting retort to her critics

When can answer be used instead of retort?

While the synonyms answer and retort are close in meaning, answer implies the satisfying of a question, demand, call, or need.

had answers to all their questions

In what contexts can rejoinder take the place of retort?

Although the words rejoinder and retort have much in common, rejoinder can be a response to a reply or to an objection.

a salesman with a quick rejoinder to every argument

When would reply be a good substitute for retort?

The synonyms reply and retort are sometimes interchangeable, but reply often suggests a thorough response to all issues, points, or questions raised.

a point-by-point reply to the accusation

When is it sensible to use response instead of retort?

While in some cases nearly identical to retort, response may imply a quick or spontaneous reaction to a person or thing that serves as a stimulus.

a response to the call for recruits

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of retort
Noun
Last week, Johnson’s office walked back one of his sharpest retorts to Trump yet, over the president’s threats to revoke funds from school districts that promote diversity, equity and inclusion practices. —Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025 Cena delivered more gems on the mic, but Rhodes had some solid retorts. —Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
Rubio retorted by pointing to 1,500 State Department officials who took early retirement in buyouts. —Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA TODAY, 10 Mar. 2025 Trump demanded $500 billion in Ukraine's minerals as repayment for U.S. assistance, but Zelenskyy retorted that American aid hasn't come close to that enormous figure. —Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for retort
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retort
  1. riposte
  2. response
  3. respond
  4. insult
  5. answer
  6. reply
  7. repartee
  8. comeback
Noun
  • Beating the best that Europe had to offer in the Champions League was a neat riposte.
    — Phil Hay June 2, New York Times, 2 June 2025
  • All such theories, however, have appeared to be unreliable and speculative since any first strikes would have to contend with the risk of an enemy launch on warning as well as sufficient systems surviving for a devastating riposte.
    — Lawrence D. Freedman, Foreign Affairs, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of riposte
Noun
  • The diminished virulence that the pathogen evolved in response to more of its hosts dying potentially caused these earlier plague pandemics to fizzle out.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 29 May 2025
  • His steel, aluminum, and auto tariffs, for instance, draw on his authority under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which empowers the President to put tariffs in place in response to national security threats.
    — Solcyré Burga, Time, 29 May 2025
Definition of response
Verb
  • The Hurricanes responded by allowing back-to-back homers to lead off the next inning.
    — Cameron Priester, Sun Sentinel, 7 June 2025
  • The Bedminster club's reception desk and chef did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
    — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 6 June 2025
Definition of respond
Noun
  • These immigrants in Florida find Trump’s offer ‘an insult’ Many are skeptical.
    — South Florida Sun Sentinel, Sun Sentinel, 2 June 2025
  • The master of appropriating insults just can’t do anything to make TACO his — Trump Always Cares Outstandingly just doesn’t have the same ring.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025
Definition of insult
Noun
  • Many have turned to Moore, 46, the first black governor of Maryland following his win in 2022, as an answer to their prayers.
    — Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2025
  • For the 1,450-capacity Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, whose 2020 season was scheduled to begin April 3 with a show by rapper Lupe Fiasco, the answer is probably not.
    — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025
Definition of answer
Verb
  • Especially the reading and replying to emails during game play.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2025
  • On Tuesday, Stiller took to X to respond to McAfee’s callout, replying to a video of the ordeal.
    — Jack Dunn, Variety, 29 May 2025
Definition of reply
Noun
  • Most voters are worried about high prices for food, energy and housing, rather than their leader’s Oval Office repartee.
    — Alexander Smith, NBC news, 30 Mar. 2025
  • For all his entertaining repartee, Hedges is keenly aware of when to lock in.
    — Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025
Definition of repartee
Noun
  • And although Andreeva raced into a 3-0 lead in the second set, Boisson pushed on to a blistering comeback, winning the next six games to book her spot in the semifinals.
    — Ben Morse, CNN Money, 4 June 2025
  • While Friedl’s catch was replayed over and over, there were other signs: big opposite-field hits by Will Benson, Matt McLain and Elly De La Cruz; hits late in the game against the Brewers’ bullpen; an actual comeback victory, something the team has struggled to put together.
    — C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 4 June 2025
Definition of comeback

Browse Nearby Words

retools
retort
retorted
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Cite this Entry

“Retort.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retort. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on retort

Nglish: Translation of retort for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about retort

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