Synonyms of retort

retort 1 of 2

noun

1

as in riposte

a quick witty response

she responded to the heckler with a scathing but hilarious retort that instantly won over the audience

Synonyms & Similar Words

• riposte
• insult
• repartee
• comeback
• wisecrack
• witticism
• quip
• squelch
• zinger
• back talk
• sally
• cut
• crack
• put-down

2

as in response

something spoken or written in reaction especially to a question

the salesclerk responded to my query about the price with a brusque retort

Synonyms & Similar Words

• response
• answer
• reply
• reaction
• rejoinder
• return
• remark
• observation
• replication
• rebuttal
• comment
• comeback
• feedback
• banter
• explanation
• communication
• justification
• refutation
• repartee
• acknowledgment
• persiflage
• defense
• back talk
• non sequitur
• plea
• correspondence

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• question
• inquiry
• query
• challenge
• interrogation
• charge
• survey
• quiz
• interrogatory
• questionnaire
• poll
• cross-examination
• grilling

retort

2 of 2

verb

ri-ˈtȯrt 

as in to respond

to speak or write in reaction to a question or to another reaction

when told she couldn't have it, she retorted, "Fine, I didn't want it anyway!"

Synonyms & Similar Words

• respond
• reply
• answer
• react
• riposte
• rejoin
• return
• come back
• comment
• remark
• explain
• acknowledge
• counter
• communicate
• correspond
• refute
• defend
• rebut
• field
• deny

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ask
• question
• inquire
• challenge
• examine
• pump
• interrogate
• survey
• query
• grill
• cross-examine
• quiz
• poll

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

Recent Examples of retort

Noun

Don’t take the bait if someone challenges you or makes a nasty retort. — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 21 May 2026

That threat drew a sharp retort from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. — Andrew Muhammad, The Conversation, 7 May 2026

Verb

Hellerstein retorted in one exchange with the prosecutor, questioning how the Maduros’ ability to pay their lawyers had any bearing on national security. — Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2026

Andre retorted with mock indignation to a laugh from the audience. — Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026