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
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
Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill jokingly retorted on Wednesday.
—Scott Powers, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026
Alito retorted to laughter from the courtroom.
—Nina Totenberg, NPR, 25 Feb. 2026
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
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
Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill jokingly retorted on Wednesday.
—Scott Powers, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026
Alito retorted to laughter from the courtroom.
—Nina Totenberg, NPR, 25 Feb. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retorted
Verb
-
Bartle replied that the two Kansas Cities were really one big city, separated only by an imaginary state line.—
Elijah Winkler,
Kansas City Star,
29 Mar. 2026
-
McCartney replied in mock shock.—
Peter Larsen,
Daily News,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Gisselle Pascual, 24, of South Boston, was arrested when police responded to the scene at 258 Old Colony Ave.—
Flint McColgan,
Boston Herald,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Officers who responded to the gas station noted extensive damage to the front door and windows, as well as merchandise and debris scattered through the store and parking lot, police said.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Questions and comments will be moderated, read, and answered as time allows.—
Carolyn Hax,
Washington Post,
27 Mar. 2026
-
While there are still many questions to be answered, the researchers said that this new research should hopefully provide some relief for parents of children with ADHD.—
David Cox,
NBC news,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Retorted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retorted. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
