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
The issue extends to Mio, too, whose quips or poorly timed retorts to Zoe’s dialogue don’t really align with her generally apathetic persona. Kyle Wilson, Rolling Stone, 4 Mar. 2025 The Democratic retort to Trump’s speech will test a party split on a larger strategy for how to confront the President. Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
That led Chair Mike Lee to retort that the documents arrived at 5:40pmyesterday and that the committee office was open until 6pm. Daniel Moore, Axios, 15 Jan. 2025 That led Chair Mike Lee to retort that the documents arrived at 5:40pm yesterday and that the committee office was open until 6pm. Daniel Moore, Axios, 15 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for retort
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retort
Noun
  • 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
  • Less than two minutes later, Isak delivered his usual riposte.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In response to questions from Jackson, Nuttall agreed that injuries to O'Keefe's face could have been caused by a punch to the face.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The Supreme Court on Saturday temporarily blocked the deportation of Venezuelans held in Texas under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 in response to an emergency appeal form the American Civil Liberties Union.
    Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Humans, on the other hand, are quick to respond to Tyrion.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Image Image Image Many volunteers made enormous personal sacrifices to respond to the crisis.
    Declan Walsh, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The imitation Punisher logo on Cole’s bullet was no act of flattery, but the most vile of insults.
    Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2025
  • But some Republican registrars took them as an insult, and at least one, Lisa Amatruda of Woodbury, walked out.
    Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The answer, as the paper argues, is that Deinosuchus isn’t an alligator at all.
    Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The answer led me to pivot away from ghostwriting and toward something different.
    Rhea Wessel, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Engage in conversations by replying to comments, livestreaming, answering audience queries in messages, creating broadcast channels and participating in relevant discussions.
    Karan Sharma, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Mother Jones strangely replied to Kennedy's remark that some autistic children would never write a poem by finding one who did.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • For all his entertaining repartee, Hedges is keenly aware of when to lock in.
    Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Despite the pundits’ predictions, early polling has shown Harris is widely favored to make a comeback after losing to Trump in November.
    Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Felix reveals Williams' candidness about a difficult pregnancy and return to competition inspired her own comeback story.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Retort.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retort. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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