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 At the Fox upfronts on Monday, May 12, the former New England Patriots tight end had an unexpected rejoinder after a fellow presenter on stage joked about Rupert Murdoch’s first upfront. Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 13 May 2025 In his rejoinder to the Bloomberg article, Knuteson makes the following remarks, where references to [8], [2022], and [2023] refer to his posts and other comments. Hersh Shefrin, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025 In a rare move, the House Democratic leadership, which essentially held the line against the bill in their chamber, issued a scathing rejoinder, warning against caving to Trump, billionaire Elon Musk and the Republican agenda marching forward in Congress. Kevin Freking, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025 With a few snooty glances and snide rejoinders, Todd and Margo Chester — the Griswalds’ ultra-hip Chicago neighbors — epitomize the sort of detachment that’s too chilly for the holidays, too cold for friendship. Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 17 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for rejoinder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rejoinder
Noun
  • The redistricting effort in California is in response to Texas, where Republican lawmakers are pushing new redistricting maps at President Donald Trump's request.
    Terry Collins, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Yet while anger over youth violence and other issues may have prompted the mayor not to run again in Gilbert, voters did not punish other incumbents for what many felt was a lackluster town response.
    Joanna Allhands, AZCentral.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The most recent post on Crack Barrel's X is from 2016, and this has been flooded with replies about the rebrand.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Buried among the replies was one that caught my eye: Chicago Crunch Chocolate Chip Cookies.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • And when marriages end, many people are left with more questions than answers.
    Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2025
  • It’s been the most interesting question in liberal politics since November, with a different answer every month.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 22 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rejoinder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rejoinder. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on rejoinder

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