Synonym Chooser

How does the noun rejoinder differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of rejoinder are answer, reply, response, and retort. While all these words mean "something spoken, written, or done in return," rejoinder can be a response to a reply or to an objection.

a salesman with a quick rejoinder to every argument

Where would answer be a reasonable alternative to rejoinder?

While in some cases nearly identical to rejoinder, answer implies the satisfying of a question, demand, call, or need.

had answers to all their questions

When is reply a more appropriate choice than rejoinder?

The meanings of reply and rejoinder largely overlap; however, reply often suggests a thorough response to all issues, points, or questions raised.

a point-by-point reply to the accusation

When could response be used to replace rejoinder?

The words response and rejoinder can be used in similar contexts, but 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

When can retort be used instead of rejoinder?

The synonyms retort and rejoinder are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

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 rejoinder Chappelle’s quip onstage at the festival was likely a rejoinder to such complaints. Tom Tapp, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2025 Implicit in this mode of storytelling is a rejoinder to mentalities like Evelyn’s. Judy Berman, Time, 25 Sep. 2025 Indeed, its scale and sprawl feel sensitively suited to a story expressly about the wearying duration and day-by-day pace of the recovery process, as well as a pointed rejoinder to industry conventions regarding which stories generally get to take up this much space. Guy Lodge, Variety, 10 July 2025 And North also has a rejoinder for this year’s face-off. Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for rejoinder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rejoinder
Noun
  • The shortages have impacted 911 call response times and have left officers feeling burdened and overworked, often having to sacrifice personal time to cover events and political rallies, Redford has said in previous interviews with The Charlotte Observer.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2025
  • However, instead of doubling down on the concerns surrounding Ohtani, Brewers manager Pat Murphy sent a very different message on the Dodgers star with a four-word response on his opponent’s roster.
    Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In addition, many Department of Education employees who were furloughed were surprised to see a message blaming Democrats for the government shutdown inserted into their out-of-office replies.
    NPR, NPR, 15 Oct. 2025
  • The White House Press Office’s automatic reply email stated media members could expect delays in responses because of the shutdown.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The answer may or may not be English novelist Frances Brooke’s The History of Emily Montague, the story of an epistolary friendship between several characters, including the book’s namesake.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 2025
  • If Washington truly wants lower prices, stronger investment and resilient supply chains, officials should see at this point that the answer isn’t higher tariff walls.
    Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 17 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rejoinder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rejoinder. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on rejoinder

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