1
as in insults
a quick witty response
she responded to the heckler with a scathing but hilarious retort that instantly won over the audience
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in responses
something spoken or written in reaction especially to a question
the salesclerk responded to my query about the price with a brusque retort
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in replies
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!"
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of retorts
Amie Parnes, The Hill, 28 Aug. 2025
But businesses are hoping for more than just retorts.
—Satviki Sanjay Bloomberg, Arkansas Online, 9 Aug. 2025
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
Noun
Rank-and-file Democrats also have applauded Pritzker’s bullish retorts to Trump in recent days.
—Amie Parnes, The Hill, 28 Aug. 2025
But businesses are hoping for more than just retorts.
—Satviki Sanjay Bloomberg, Arkansas Online, 9 Aug. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retorts
Noun
-
Perhaps Florence might have learned to cast aside the envy that seemed to be suppressed only by her outbursts and insults, her ever-increasing appetite, a collection of maladies that seemed to anger and horrify her father even further.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 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
-
During the trial, after Cardi took the stand to deliver her testimony, several of her impassioned exchanges with the plaintiff's lawyer, Ron Rosen Janfaza, went viral due to her unfiltered, expletive-laced responses and animated expressions, including eye rolls and shrugs.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Essentially, soft and joyful music may reduce this effect by easing emotional tension, redirecting attention and calming physiological responses triggered by motion sickness.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The man replies with further context about her circumstances.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Mindful of the government conspiracy, the trio seeks out more answers in an attempt to put an end to these unethical experiments.—
Jacqueline Weiss,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Their answers to our questions are shared here.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) is 30% off, giving you a bedside smart display that tracks your sleep, controls lights and music, and responds to simple hand gestures without needing to touch the screen.—
Shubham Yewale,
PC Magazine,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Trump responds to giant military parade in China.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Their constant comebacks in Europe last season felt more in the ilk of classic Chelsea.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
4 Sep. 2025
-
The Sox staged comebacks in each game during the series.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Retorts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retorts. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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