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
Lanning’s retort might be a sore spot for Gundy, whose contract was restructured in December after a dismal 3-9 season in 2024, with the $1 million savings reportedly being allocated toward the players. Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 2 Sep. 2025 Rank-and-file Democrats also have applauded Pritzker’s bullish retorts to Trump in recent days. Amie Parnes, The Hill, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
Boro’s fanbase will retort that there has been more than one of those lately. Michael Walker, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for retort
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retort
Noun
  • From the perspective of Nick Woltemade, their record signing, there was also another riposte to the hubbub that has surrounded his move to St James’ Park as a replacement for Alexander Isak, a task that ranks as thankless.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Eventually, Letterman acknowledged the riposte was not his best work.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 19 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But what a response — a performance full of waspish pressing, muscular defending and precise, efficient counters.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Kansas City and Patrick Mahomes were in the midst of a gritty response powered by Xavier Worthy and Isiah Pacheco grinding for tough yards before disaster struck at the goal line.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Dulin, who went undrafted in 2019, responded by notching two catches for a team-high 55 yards, in addition to doing his usual jobs as a gunner and return man.
    James Boyd, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • And Pérez responded, blooping a ball into left, driving in Kerry Carpenter, as the Tigers took a 3-2 lead.
    Ryan Ford, Freep.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The insults have been flying in the back-and-forth, and there doesn’t appear to be an end in sight for at least the short term.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Some others within the group interpreted Yahaya’s lyrics as an insult to the Prophet Muhammad.
    Sean Nelson, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Well, the answer isn't so simple.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
  • As the textile industry adapts to meet increasing demand for natural aesthetics and more sustainable solutions, Tencel Lyocell HV100 provides a unique answer to both.
    Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • So as Scheffler sank a birdie and John Rahm thrillingly replied in similar fashion, some fans could not see the action.
    Kevin Coulson, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Democrats have replied that this is prevented by federal law, though some states permit it, including through Medicaid.
    Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • At one point, O’Steen was confused by a question, and the resulting back-and-forth was reminiscent of an Abbott and Costello repartee.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Hoffman and Jonsson are both brilliant, vulnerable in their humanity in the face of such unfathomable conditions, but their repartee does seem forced and often maudlin.
    Gregory Nussen, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Marc Márquez finally hauled himself back to the pinnacle of MotoGP in Japan last weekend, capping one of sport’s most arduous comeback stories with an almost flawless title charge.
    Jonathan Hawkins, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The Mariners erased an 8-1 Toronto lead in Game 2 to complete a sweep, celebrating the comeback by locking arms around the pitcher’s mound.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Retort.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retort. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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