as in replied
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 retorted
During the hearing, Young loudly retorted as Perry’s niece left the witness stand.
—
Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
After critics picked apart her appearance during the 2015 Wimbledon tennis tournament, Williams took to social media and retorted with a carefree beach selfie.
—Grace Gavilanes, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Noem retorted after Thompson raised the issue.
—Arkansas Online, 12 Dec. 2025
Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
After critics picked apart her appearance during the 2015 Wimbledon tennis tournament, Williams took to social media and retorted with a carefree beach selfie.
—Grace Gavilanes, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Noem retorted after Thompson raised the issue.
—Arkansas Online, 12 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retorted
Verb
-
When Bondi replied by accusing her of hypocrisy over a lack of similar questioning toward former Attorney General Merrick Garland, Jayapal interjected, trying to force an apology.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Mamdani replied that, by raising taxes on the wealthiest New York City residents, the entire state’s revenues would rise.—
Josephine Stratman,
New York Daily News,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
DeLano responded that lawmakers could use the two-year period to address any such shortfall.—
ALEX ROZIER Mississippi Today,
Arkansas Online,
14 Feb. 2026
-
After demonstrations broke out in Iran on December 28, 2025, following the collapse of the Iranian currency, the country’s regime responded in a deadly manner.—
Emily Chan,
Vogue,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
No one answered and the doors were locked.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Well, that question is yet to be answered.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Retorted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retorted. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
