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
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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
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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
Nick Miller, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
Smaller groups of five, 40 or a little under a hundred people gather routinely with posters, chants and, sometimes, retorts for passing motorists who support the president.
—Darcie Moran, Freep.com, 21 Sep. 2025
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
Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025
In theory, Thune has an open-door policy and frequently retorts that Schumer has his cellphone number or can make the short walk to his office.
—David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
In amongst the abuse hurled at Rory McIlroy, the beer thrown at Rory McIlroy, the emphatic retorts from Rory McIlroy and also some golf from Rory McIlory (and 23 other guys), something interesting kept cropping up during the Ryder Cup at Bethpage.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
Smaller groups of five, 40 or a little under a hundred people gather routinely with posters, chants and, sometimes, retorts for passing motorists who support the president.
—Darcie Moran, Freep.com, 21 Sep. 2025
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
Verb
Olga retorts that his bird’s-eye analysis is a clever way of doing nothing.
—Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025
In theory, Thune has an open-door policy and frequently retorts that Schumer has his cellphone number or can make the short walk to his office.
—David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 24 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retorts
Noun
-
On screen, Lawrence and Pattinson hurl nonstop insults at each other in loud bursts of verbal warfare, a striking contrast to the duo’s quieter working relationship.—
Antonio Ferme,
Variety,
2 Nov. 2025
-
The race has been no short of dogged, as insults between the candidates on the debate stage have led to archives investigations and defamation lawsuit threats.—
Molly Parks,
The Washington Examiner,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The cascading legal rulings — plus the varying responses of each state to the shutoff — means people who rely on SNAP are in vastly different situations.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Fifty responses aired grievances with ACHD operations and management unrelated to impact fees or the capital improvement plan.—
Mark Dee,
Idaho Statesman,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Attorney General Weiser replies that medical science evolves over time.—
Nina Totenberg,
NPR,
7 Oct. 2025
-
The man replies with further details to justify the figure.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
5 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The exchanges have included headline-making ripostes from Christian Pulisic and his entourage.—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
During cross-examination, he was upbraided for long answers that did not immediately answer the question he had been asked.—
Greg O'Keeffe,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
-
The affable star guard delivered another of his patently honest answers.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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American Airlines responds to FAA order Per the FAA order, American Airlines is reducing flight schedules by 4% at 40 airports Friday through Monday, amounting to about 220 flights canceled each day.—
Chase Jordan
Updated November 7,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Because everyone responds differently to a crisis.—
Gerrad Hall,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
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This time, however, Gorst’s remarkable string of comebacks ran out as Yapp held him off and won the title, 13-11.—
Jeremy Herb,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
-
These entrants can range from returning legends to main roster comebacks from injury, or even crossover appearances from other promotions.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Retorts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retorts. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
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