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 And North also has a rejoinder for this year’s face-off. Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 27 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
  • Critics said Johnson’s hands-off approach was evident in his response to the biggest political crisis of his tenure.
    T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 30 Sep. 2025
  • But when the Coast Guard approached on a 45-foot response boat, authorities said, the cuddy cabin boat began racing south to evade arrest.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The continual delays have led to many embarrassing moments, the most recent coming last Tuesday, when, after Barca officials told the media the Camp Nou was ready, the Barcelona city council arranged a press conference of their own in reply.
    Pol Ballús, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Delvey then doubled down on her original reply.
    Stephanie Wenger, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The answer, experts say, is more complicated than any algorithm.
    Jenna Ryu, SELF, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Others were related to the actual content of the courses, such as a school that used a curriculum that included inaccurate information about permissible blood-alcohol levels for drivers and another school that provided students with answers to final exam questions in advance.
    William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rejoinder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rejoinder. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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