Synonym Chooser

How does the noun repartee differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of repartee are humor, irony, sarcasm, satire, and wit. While all these words mean "a mode of expression intended to arouse amusement," repartee implies the power of answering quickly, pointedly, or wittily.

a dinner guest noted for repartee

When could humor be used to replace repartee?

The synonyms humor and repartee are sometimes interchangeable, but humor implies an ability to perceive the ludicrous, the comical, and the absurd in human life and to express these usually without bitterness.

a sense of humor

Where would irony be a reasonable alternative to repartee?

While the synonyms irony and repartee are close in meaning, irony applies to a manner of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is seemingly expressed.

the irony of the title

When would sarcasm be a good substitute for repartee?

In some situations, the words sarcasm and repartee are roughly equivalent. However, sarcasm applies to expression frequently in the form of irony that is intended to cut or wound.

given to heartless sarcasm

When might satire be a better fit than repartee?

The meanings of satire and repartee largely overlap; however, satire applies to writing that exposes or ridicules conduct, doctrines, or institutions either by direct criticism or more often through irony, parody, or caricature.

a satire on the Congress

When is wit a more appropriate choice than repartee?

While in some cases nearly identical to repartee, wit suggests the power to evoke laughter by remarks showing verbal felicity or ingenuity and swift perception especially of the incongruous.

a playful wit

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 repartee His brother Richard Rosenthal is Somebody Feed Phil’s executive producer and showrunner; their on-camera repartee is a golden fan-favorite. Laura Manske, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 Most voters are worried about high prices for food, energy and housing, rather than their leader’s Oval Office repartee. Alexander Smith, NBC news, 30 Mar. 2025 For all his entertaining repartee, Hedges is keenly aware of when to lock in. Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025 Ally and Jay are both sarcastic, too — their best lines are muttered under their breaths — and their repartee becomes more interesting than the bloody theatrics. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for repartee
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repartee
Noun
  • For many, banging them in against the likes of Konyaspor and Goztepe last term is not a convincing retort to those questions.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Resist the urge to criticize someone or make a fast retort that will spark arguments.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • His seamless banter throughout the night provided laughs and comfort for fans.
    Kristen Wisneski, Billboard, 29 Sep. 2025
  • But the banter took a darker turn as the match moved into the afternoon.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The action flows, the badinage is fast and fun.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Each bus has a pair of hosts, whose badinage is corny but crowd-pleasing.
    Patricia Marx, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
Noun
  • McIlroy got the last laugh, though.
    Kendall Capps, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Both donning their iconic dark sunglasses at the indoor event, the pair shared a hug and a laugh backstage.
    Andrew McGowan, Variety, 27 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The uproar was centered around conservative outcry over a joke Kimmel told last week about the suspect accused of shooting Charlie Kirk.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 26 Sep. 2025
  • This leads to many, many, many jokes about Chad’s diminished mental capacity, including references to Radio, Slingblade and more.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • With time, their caustic raillery transforms into sincere attachment.
    Charlie Tyson, The Atlantic, 13 May 2021
  • French’s evocation of place, a rural way of life and overall creepiness are superb, as is the dialogue, a festival of Irish raillery and repartee.
    Washington Post, Washington Post, 14 Oct. 2020
Noun
  • The film’s abundant humor and humanity are both rooted in DiCaprio’s ability to contain both of those people at once — to span the distance between those opposite shores while flailing towards each of them with equal desperation.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 26 Sep. 2025
  • In fact, early reviews have consistently brought up the film's humor and wit, and that feedback has also made its way to the cast.
    Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • None of this will keep Republicans and conservatives from attacking the reconciliation bill with smoke, mirrors and persiflage.
    Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2022
  • As Nixon’s political strategist, Kevin Phillips, told the New York Times in 1970: All the talk about Republicans making inroads into the Negro vote is persiflage.
    Jane Coaston, Vox, 12 Oct. 2018

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Cite this Entry

“Repartee.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repartee. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

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