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

In response, the plaintiffs allege that the Pattons retaliated against them, Disney and 20th TV ignored their complaints, and ultimately laid off the entire props department rather than investigate and take appropriate action. —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 2 June 2025

The agreement was reached after Trump slapped sky-high tariffs on imports from China into the U.S., and China retaliated in kind. —Dan Mangan, CNBC, 30 May 2025

In dealing a blow to Hezbollah in particular, Israel removed the concern of the group threatening Israeli aircraft on their way to Iran and retaliating with missile attacks on Israel after any strike. —Julian E. Barnes, New York Times, 28 May 2025

The question buzzing around Philadelphia on Wednesday is a moral conundrum: Should the Phillies retaliate for Braves pitcher Spencer Strider drilling Bryce Harper with a 95-mph fastball in the elbow on Tuesday night? —Anthony Stitt, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025