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
His inquiries are met with gruff retorts by the barman, who is only interested in Henry buying a pint. Lincee Ray Published, EW.com, 8 Aug. 2025 And as trade speculation has risen, Harris reported a sarcastic one-word retort from the pitcher. Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 July 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
  • Losing in three sets was a riposte to those who feared the match wouldn’t be competitive.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
  • But when Wales offered riposte, France looked vulnerable.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • The Journal Sentinel has requested a copy of Gonzalez' resignation letter and is awaiting a response.
    Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Twenty minutes into the town hall, Davidson began to fall silent in response to the noise from the crowd.
    Erin Glynn, The Enquirer, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Newsrooms — like many other companies, amid a tight labor market and booming economy — responded with intense sympathy for junior employees who felt mistreated by managers and bullied by untouchable stars.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Jackson responded by shoving the fan back.
    Jenna West, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Perhaps, like Elizabeth in the face of Darcy’s insult, Austen would also be prompted to spread spirited gossip about her heroine’s doubters and haters.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
  • When big gatherings of police and federal agents suddenly show up in residential areas, crowds often meet them with cell phone cameras, righteous indignation and insults.
    Daniel C. Vock, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Their answers to our questions are shared here.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • After a comeback in the second quarter, Trophy Club Byron Nelson had no answer in the third quarter.
    Cody Thorn, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Richards replied, before tapping Sheen on the shoulder.
    Kirsty Hatcher, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Downing did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
    Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But mainly the kids banter in pig Latin or in a screwball repartee fashioned from overheard adult speech.
    Dan Chiasson, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
  • Balki and cousin Larry slipped right into their old repartee from the beloved ABC sitcom.
    Ryan Coleman Published, EW.com, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • After a comeback in the second quarter, Trophy Club Byron Nelson had no answer in the third quarter.
    Cody Thorn, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Huawei Huawei on Thursday launched the second generation of its trifold smartphone, as the Chinese tech giant looks to cement its comeback in its home market and dip its toe back overseas.
    Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Retort.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retort. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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