Entry Word: retort

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 a quick witty response <the clever boy responded to the bullyʼs threat with a rude retort>

Synonyms comeback, repartee, riposte

Related Words back talk; crack, quip, sally, wisecrack, witticism; cut, insult, put-down

2 something spoken or written in reaction especially to a question <I didnʼt appreciate your nasty retort to my question about whether you had finished your homework> — see answer 1