retort

verb (1)

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re·tort | \ ri-ˈtȯrt

retorted; retorting; retorts

Definition of retort

(Entry 1 of 4)

transitive verb

1 : to pay or hurl back : return retort an insult

2a : to make a reply to

b : to say in reply

3 : to answer (an argument) by a counter argument

intransitive verb

1 : to answer back usually sharply

2 : to return an argument or charge

3 : retaliate

retort

noun (1)

Definition of retort (Entry 2 of 4)

: a quick, witty, or cutting reply especially : one that turns back or counters the first speaker's words

retort

noun (2)

re·tort | \ ri-ˈtȯrt

, ˈrē-ˌtȯrt \

Definition of retort (Entry 3 of 4)

: a vessel or chamber in which substances are distilled or decomposed by heat

retort

verb (2)

re·tort | \ ri-ˈtȯrt

, ˈrē-ˌtȯrt \

retorted; retorting; retorts

Definition of retort (Entry 4 of 4)

transitive verb

: to treat (something, such as oil shale) by heating in a retort

Choose the Right Synonym for retort

Noun (1)

answer, response, reply, rejoinder, retort mean something spoken, written, or done in return. answer implies the satisfying of a question, demand, call, or need. had answers to all their questions 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 reply often suggests a thorough response to all issues, points, or questions raised. a point-by-point reply to the accusation rejoinder can be a response to a reply or to an objection. a salesman with a quick rejoinder to every argument 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