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
  • Meanwhile, Simmons has gone on the attack in response to allegations against him.
    Victoria Bekiempis, Rolling Stone, 3 Nov. 2025
  • The Cincinnati Health Department, Hamilton County Public Health and the Ohio Department of Health are conducting additional water tests at Christ Hospital’s main campus in response to the two cases.
    Mary LeBus, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Pretty damn s*** was the unspoken reply.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Facebook tested a comparable dislike button in 2015 and 2018, which would only contribute to the rankings of replies on public Facebook pages and wouldn’t apply to private posts from friends, but ultimately didn’t choose to keep the feature.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 2 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • While the initial impact to travelers is expected to be somewhat limited, there continues to be no firm answer as to how many flights would be, or could be, canceled at DTW.
    Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Brandes, frustrated by the lack of answers on testing in prisons, chimed in Thursday during a Florida Health Care Association conference call about the nursing home issue.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rejoinder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rejoinder. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on rejoinder

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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