riposte 1 of 2

Definition of ripostenext
as in retort
a quick witty response he's known for having a brilliant riposte to nearly any insult

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riposte

2 of 2

verb

as in to respond
to speak or write in reaction to a question or to another reaction at cocktail parties she could riposte with lightning speed to even the most unexpected quip

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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 riposte
Noun
Big Kiss, Bye-Bye offers something else, too: a subtle riposte against gender pessimism. Rhian Sasseen, The Atlantic, 22 Oct. 2025 Eventually, Letterman acknowledged the riposte was not his best work. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
Some enemy attacks can only be dodged, while parrying others gives you the opportunity to riposte. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for riposte
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riposte
Noun
  • Thompson, meanwhile, savors every contemptuous glare and hateful retort Anna regularly supplies.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Strange to say, her mother’s retort comforts her.
    Allegra Goodman, New Yorker, 4 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Last week, Graham Knaus, the chief executive of the California State Association of Counties, criticized Newsom’s budget for not responding to the cost burdens shifting to local governments.
    Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 13 Jan. 2026
  • The complaint asserts that Minneapolis and Saint Paul have been forced to divert officers from their usual duties to respond to incidents involving federal immigration enforcement, undermining local efforts to protect the community.
    Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Ricardo Villalobos, the attorney representing owner Eric Goldie in the eviction case, did not reply to The Times’ request for comment about Rourke’s allegations.
    Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
  • A number of other users replied to the comment in agreement.
    Stacy Lambe, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Ask The Post’s journalists Our reporters and editors answer your questions.
    Karen Tumulty, Washington Post, 15 Jan. 2026
  • There was no judgment, no riddle to be answered or trial needing to be passed.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Riposte.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riposte. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.

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