riposte 1 of 2

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
This seemed to be a function of its light weight and thinness, a riposte to the ubiquitous Michelin Man-esque puffer. Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 6 Mar. 2025 The book might be considered a riposte to both right-wing and left-wing historiography in India; right-wing historians make fantastic claims that cloak India’s real and substantial achievements, while those on the left prioritize social history in a way that displaces intellectual achievement. Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025 China's export controls on strategic metals, a riposte to President Donald Trump's tariff hike, are being seen less as an economic blow and more as a warning shot to bring the United States to the negotiating table. Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025 Many saw the 40-year-old's base salary as a direct riposte to Verlander, who was Scherzer's teammate with the Detroit Tigers and New York Mets. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for riposte
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riposte
Noun
  • On the golf course, whenever his more athletic playing partners start talking trash, Baumgartner has his retort at the ready.
    Daniel Brown, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • The seething retort against Drake not only rattled the 6 God and his disciples but unequivocally lunged Lamar into God mode.
    Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • Officers responded to area of West Gate and Middle Street around 7 p.m. on Saturday for a crash involving a motorcycle and a motor vehicle, according to the Bristol Police Department.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 13 July 2025
  • Groups supporting the government responded along with authorities to repress the protests.
    Andrea Rodriguez, Chicago Tribune, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • The tech billionaire replied in the negative to a question regarding a potential deal.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 15 July 2025
  • Many also asked questions, to which Garrett replied with further explanation.
    Skyler Caruso, People.com, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Lamine answered questions in Catalan from the Catalan press and others in Spanish, and towards the end of a press conference, he was asked about his activities away from the pitch.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • The agency failed to answer thousands of calls from flood survivors after allowing contracts for call-center workers to lapse one day after the disaster, according to The New York Times.
    Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 15 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Riposte.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riposte. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

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