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 a complaint to the NLRB, the Teamsters alleged Amazon had retaliated against the workers who went on strike by reducing their UPT, which exists as a bank of hours that Amazon workers can use for unscheduled leave and emergencies. —Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2026

Hezbollah is one of Iran’s key allies and retaliated on March 2 for the strikes that took out Khamenei. —Michael Loria, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026

Iraq struck Iranian exports, while Iran retaliated by hitting vessels, many linked to Kuwait. —Max Saltman, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026

California and Virginia lawmakers were among those who retaliated by redrawing districts to help Democrats. —Michael Van Sickler, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2026