retort 1 of 2

retort

2 of 2

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
The play found its voice through the Broadway developmental process, and Metcalf’s imprint is unmistakable in the rhythms of Nora’s whirligig monologues and bracing retorts. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025 Wait a second, the retort goes, the old-time adage is that to the victor go the spoils. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
Verb
Rubio retorted by pointing to 1,500 State Department officials who took early retirement in buyouts. Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA TODAY, 10 Mar. 2025 Trump demanded $500 billion in Ukraine's minerals as repayment for U.S. assistance, but Zelenskyy retorted that American aid hasn't come close to that enormous figure. Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 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
  • The hitch, for both the U.S. and Israel, is that bringing the attack to Iran, as a country, risks stirring the nationalist response of a nation that goes back 2,500 years.
    Karl Vick, Time, 22 June 2025
  • Some critics accused Trump of causing chaos with ICE raids, then using the community response to justify even harsher measures.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • Firefighters had responded to reports of a brush fire at Canfield Mountain, north of Coeur d’Alene, at around 1:30 p.m., at which point someone started shooting at them.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 1 July 2025
  • May's office initially responded to Fox News Digital's request for comment after providing the public records, requesting a list of questions and background information be provided before speaking.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Under it, anyone who defames, insults or threatens the King, Queen, heir apparent, or regent faces three to 15 years in prison.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 26 June 2025
  • In the video, Songz is seen locked in a tense exchange with an unidentified man, with both hurling insults and threats in an escalating war of words.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • If the answer is yes, then by all means bring it along.
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 2025
  • In Baltimore, as elsewhere, the answers have changed over time.
    Jonathan M. Pitts, Baltimore Sun, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • The Lake County Sheriff’s Office, which made the arrest and controls the jail, and the Office of Statewide Prosecution, which is overseeing Lopez’s prosecution, did not reply to messages seeking comment.
    Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 June 2025
  • Howell’s lawyer did not reply to requests for comment.
    Evan Drellich, New York Times, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • Most voters are worried about high prices for food, energy and housing, rather than their leader’s Oval Office repartee.
    Alexander Smith, NBC news, 30 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Martin’s role in the rotation and Chen’s spot on the roster won’t be guaranteed when those players make their comebacks next week, but Friday’s win showed the Valkyries’ system has the depth to win games they aren’t supposed to.
    Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 28 June 2025
  • The pace quickened a bit as Cena hit his signature comeback, punctuated by a Five Knuckle Shuffle.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Retort.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retort. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on retort

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!