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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Lawrence D. Freedman, Foreign Affairs, 14 Apr. 2025
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
Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for riposte
Noun
All such theories, however, have appeared to be unreliable and speculative since any first strikes would have to contend with the risk of an enemy launch on warning as well as sufficient systems surviving for a devastating riposte.
—Lawrence D. Freedman, Foreign Affairs, 14 Apr. 2025
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
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
-
Even an otherwise neutral comment can be contorted into a sarcastic retort, an insult or a counterattack.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Lanning’s retort might be a sore spot for Gundy, whose contract was restructured in December after a dismal 3-9 season in 2024, with the $1 million savings reportedly being allocated toward the players.—
Jason Clinkscales,
Sportico.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Newsrooms — like many other companies, amid a tight labor market and booming economy — responded with intense sympathy for junior employees who felt mistreated by managers and bullied by untouchable stars.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Jackson responded by shoving the fan back.—
Jenna West,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Smith replied that private schools must submit renewal packets every year before they are approved to continue participation in the accounts program, and that the agency compares the new tuition rates against the older rates.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
12 Sep. 2025
-
The Kennedy Center's press office did not immediately reply to NPR's request for comment on the dismissal and a query about the future of jazz and Millennium Stage programming.—
Anastasia Tsioulcas,
NPR,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
While Schneider was expressing his feelings about the unknown state of Judge’s normally rocket arm, the Yankees seemed weary about answering these kind of inquiries.—
Larry Fleisher,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Why Colombians are answering Zelenskyy’s plea Decades of warfare have left Colombia with one of the largest and most well-trained armies in the world.—
Rebecca Johns,
Miami Herald,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Riposte.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riposte. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share