Synonyms of retaliate

retaliate

verb

ri-ˈta-lē-ˌāt 

as in to avenge

to punish in kind the wrongdoer responsible for

retaliated his neighbor's malicious destruction of his flower garden by cutting down the man's prize apple tree

Synonyms & Similar Words

• avenge
• revenge
• punish
• redress
• requite
• get even (for)
• venge
• penalize
• chastise
• repay
• castigate
• compensate
• correct
• right
• discipline
• scourge
• pay (back)
• fix
• chasten
• get
• recompense

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• forgive
• excuse
• pardon
• remit
• condone
• absolve

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb retaliate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of retaliate are reciprocate, requite, and return. While all these words mean "to give back usually in kind or in quantity," retaliate usually implies a paying back of injury in exact kind, often vengefully.

the enemy retaliated by executing their prisoners

When is reciprocate a more appropriate choice than retaliate?

While in some cases nearly identical to retaliate, reciprocate implies a mutual or equivalent exchange or a paying back of what one has received.

reciprocated their hospitality by inviting them for a visit

Where would requite be a reasonable alternative to retaliate?

While the synonyms requite and retaliate are close in meaning, requite implies a paying back according to one's preference and often not equivalently.

requited her love with cold indifference

When could return be used to replace retaliate?

The words return and retaliate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, return implies a paying or giving back.

returned their call

return good for evil

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of retaliate

Democrats in blue states, notably vote-rich California, are considering retaliating by redrawing their own maps to oust some Republican lawmakers. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 31 July 2025

Likewise, a 2019 U.S. decision to not retaliate after an Iranian attack on Saudi oil facilities contributed to Riyadh winding down its war in Yemen and normalizing relations with Iran. —Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 July 2025

In April, Trump had set tariffs on China at 145%, prompting Beijing to retaliate with its own levy of 125%. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 27 July 2025

Khalil's detention sparked nationwide protests as college students and activists accused the Trump administration of retaliating against Khalil for exercising his First Amendment rights. —Sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025