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
  • The hearing also lacked contentious partisan moments, but there were some sharp retorts.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Affleck's Will retorts as a wink to David Schwimmer's line as Ross Geller to Aniston's Rachel Green on Friends.
    Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Representatives for Lee, WBD, and Netflix didn't immediately respond to Entertainment Weekly's requests for comment.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Mountbatten-Windsor has not responded to multiple requests for comment.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 21 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • To his surprise, the company replied with a yes.
    Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2026
  • The group’s helpline had lost contact with him, and when Chrzanowska called out only a woodpecker replied.
    Elizabeth Flock, New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Gu, who often answers so quickly and comprehensively, for once struggled to find the words.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026
  • Lanson Place answered the call in 2005 as one of Hong Kong’s first boutique hotels, introducing a more intimate, residential-style approach to luxury.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Riposte.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riposte. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.

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