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!"
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of retorts
Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 25 Jan. 2026
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
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
The Moon is at odds with three planets, which can trigger arguments, snide remarks and even cruel retorts.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 25 Jan. 2026
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
-
The president also called Walz and Frey himself Monday after weeks of hurling insults and accusing the Democratic officials of inciting resistance to the crackdown.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The crowd, rapidly swelling into the hundreds, screamed insults and obscenities at the agents, some of whom shouted back mockingly.—
Jack Brook,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Since that time, Pratt has dedicated himself to railing against Bass, the Los Angeles City Council, and California Governor Gavin Newsom for their responses to the fires.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The supportive responses stood out more.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The voice that replies, however, is not that of his wife but rather an impoverished young woman who has entered the medium’s caravan to steal food.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
1 Jan. 2026
-
Back to the sofa, TV on, Tom replies.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
26 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The exchanges have included headline-making ripostes from Christian Pulisic and his entourage.—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Owner Mark Davis has failed for years to find answers, and this time around, Tom Brady appears to be taking control of the rebuild.—
J.J. Bailey,
New York Times,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Constitutional law professor David Schultz, who has taught a class on police, criminal and civil procedure, has some answers.—
Esme Murphy,
CBS News,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The Credibility Anchor Central bank independence rests on market belief that policy responds to economic data rather than political preference.—
Güney Yıldız,
Forbes.com,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Yes, Fassaert responds, somewhat reluctantly.—
Rafa Sales Ross,
Variety,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In October, there were six double-digit comebacks in one week, for first time since 2013.—
Emil Steiner,
Forbes.com,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Since the December flu spike declined, some readings from wastewater sites have shown small comebacks.—
William Tong,
Dallas Morning News,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Retorts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retorts. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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