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

Western foods had already been banned the previous year, after Putin retaliated against economic sanctions imposed by several states after the 2014 annexation of Crimea. —Olivia Potts, Longreads, 28 May 2026

Iran promised to retaliate, sending Brent oil prices up more than 3% in yesterday's session. —Alex Harring, CNBC, 27 May 2026

Joseph maintained she was retaliated against by the athletic department for complaining about the inferior treatment of her team and the coaching staff. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 27 May 2026

Boston’s assessing commissioner Nicholas Ariniello is bailing amid a lawsuit that claims the city is retaliating against commercial property owners that file abatements, as the mayor continues to shake up her administration. —Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 26 May 2026