retort 1 of 2

retort

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun retort differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of retort are answer, rejoinder, reply, and response. While all these words mean "something spoken, written, or done in return," retort implies a reaction to an implicit or explicit charge, criticism, or attack which contains a countercharge or counterattack.

she made a cutting retort to her critics

When can answer be used instead of retort?

While the synonyms answer and retort are close in meaning, answer implies the satisfying of a question, demand, call, or need.

had answers to all their questions

In what contexts can rejoinder take the place of retort?

Although the words rejoinder and retort have much in common, rejoinder can be a response to a reply or to an objection.

a salesman with a quick rejoinder to every argument

When would reply be a good substitute for retort?

The synonyms reply and retort are sometimes interchangeable, but reply often suggests a thorough response to all issues, points, or questions raised.

a point-by-point reply to the accusation

When is it sensible to use response instead of retort?

While in some cases nearly identical to retort, response may imply a quick or spontaneous reaction to a person or thing that serves as a stimulus.

a response to the call for recruits

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 retort
Noun
These teams are squaring up and covering every inch of hardwood, a seesawing retort to the critics lazily decrying modern defense. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 13 May 2025 After seeing hilarious retort that Google suggested, Galek couldn't resist sharing it on TikTok (@itsjuliagalek). Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
Verb
Rhodes further retorted with a crude remark about Cena's microphone skills versus his physical attributes, and cautioned him against exaggerating his positive impact on WWE upon his departure. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025 In contrast, an optimist would likely retort that this super-AGI collective could pursue the aim of aiding humankind and being our best friend forever. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for retort
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retort
Noun
  • Beating the best that Europe had to offer in the Champions League was a neat riposte.
    Phil Hay June 2, New York Times, 2 June 2025
  • All such theories, however, have appeared to be unreliable and speculative since any first strikes would have to contend with the risk of an enemy launch on warning as well as sufficient systems surviving for a devastating riposte.
    Lawrence D. Freedman, Foreign Affairs, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Your body produces more of these in response to stress, injury, or disease.
    Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 15 July 2025
  • Texas officials have also pledged to analyze the emergency response and make changes as needed.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Officers responded to area of West Gate and Middle Street around 7 p.m. on Saturday for a crash involving a motorcycle and a motor vehicle, according to the Bristol Police Department.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 13 July 2025
  • Groups supporting the government responded along with authorities to repress the protests.
    Andrea Rodriguez, Chicago Tribune, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • And the gratuitous insults—to NATO allies, the European Union, the BRICs, the United Nations, or the World Health Organization—continue to flow from the president.
    MARGARET MACMILLAN, Foreign Affairs, 21 July 2025
  • The Steals and Deals segment on the WFTV newscasts are annoying and an insult to the viewers!
    Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • The answer to the betting debate may help determine who has regulatory authority over its platform, and in turn, whether the financial technology upstart can continue to exist in its current form in all 50 states.
    Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 15 July 2025
  • The family of a South Carolina man who died three days after being arrested last month demanded the release of police body camera video and answers regarding his death on Tuesday.
    Tesfaye Negussie, ABC News, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • The tech billionaire replied in the negative to a question regarding a potential deal.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 15 July 2025
  • Many also asked questions, to which Garrett replied with further explanation.
    Skyler Caruso, People.com, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • Balki and cousin Larry slipped right into their old repartee from the beloved ABC sitcom.
    Ryan Coleman Published, EW.com, 14 July 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • Catcher Francisco Alvarez, called up earlier in the day from Triple-A Syracuse, continued the comeback effort in the eighth, helping the Mets score two more to take the first game of the series 7-5 on Monday night at Citi Field.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 22 July 2025
  • Fortunately, Williams provided the same edge and grit needed to accompany this comeback album.
    Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 21 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Retort.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retort. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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