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
Whoa, bellows the retort, to the victor go the spoils. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025 In between the more severe and serious moments of his testimony, Nash kept things light and occasionally answered questions with a snappy retort. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 28 May 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
  • 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
  • There were no power outages in response to the incident.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Here's more about McConnell's response and local farmers' reactions from politics reporter Lucas Aulbach.
    Bailey Loosemore, Louisville Courier Journal, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • As for what his body is physically experiencing in this moment, Miller explains that the temperature receptors in Hemsworth's sensory neurons are responding to the cold, and to preserve heat, blood vessels in his skin, hands, feet, and extremities are narrowing quickly causing a sharp, aching pain.
    EW.com, EW.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Insulin resistance is when your body doesn't respond properly to insulin, a hormone that helps move sugar through your blood to give you energy.8 Calcium: This helps your muscles work properly, including the function of the heart muscles.
    Lauren O'Connor, Health, 5 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Several diss tracks followed, with the musicians hurling increasingly spiteful insults at each other relating to accusations of domestic abuse, exploitation and pedophilia.
    Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2025
  • According to a cell phone video, obtained through CAIR, the man shouted several Islamophobic insults, including insults attacking Islam and the Prophet Muhammad.
    Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 11 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Oops, your answer will not be as sound as if the more appropriate submodel had been chosen.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • When asked when Beau would be allowed to watch Peele’s award-winning film Get Out, the director already had an answer ready.
    Emy LaCroix, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Rybakina replied with a quickfire hold of serve, found her defense again and broke back, but Mboko got another break to move up 5-3 and serve for the set.
    James Hansen, New York Times, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Nike and Ulta did not reply to requests for comment.
    Monica Hunter-Hart, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 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
  • She’ll be remembered as an unremarkably sized humper lake trout just short of 25 inches and under 5 pounds – and a notable member of the trout population’s comeback.
    Darcie Moran, Freep.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Tapestry has overseen an astonishing rehabilitation of the Coach brand in recent years, reminiscent of Ralph Lauren’s big comeback.
    Phil Wahba, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Retort.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retort. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

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