retaliate

verb

Save Word

re·tal·i·ate | \ ri-ˈta-lē-ˌāt

retaliated; retaliating

Definition of retaliate

intransitive verb

: to return like for like especially : to get revenge

transitive verb

: to repay in kind retaliate an injury

Other Words from retaliate Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More About retaliate

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from retaliate

retaliation \ ri-ˌta-lē-ˈā-shən

, ˌrē- \ noun

retaliative \ ri-ˈta-lē-ˌā-tiv

\ adjective

retaliatory \ ri-ˈtal-yə-ˌtȯr-ē

, -ˈta-lē-ə- \ adjective

Synonyms for retaliate

Synonyms

avenge,
redress,
requite,
revenge,
venge
[archaic]

Choose the Right Synonym for retaliate

reciprocate, retaliate, requite, return mean to give back usually in kind or in quantity. reciprocate implies a mutual or equivalent exchange or a paying back of what one has received. reciprocated their hospitality by inviting them for a visit retaliate usually implies a paying back of injury in exact kind, often vengefully. the enemy retaliated by executing their prisoners requite implies a paying back according to one's preference and often not equivalently. requited her love with cold indifference return implies a paying or giving back. returned their call return good for evil

Examples of retaliate in a Sentence

After the company announced plans to reduce benefits, the union threatened to retaliate by calling for a strike. retaliated his neighbor's malicious destruction of his flower garden by cutting down the man's prize apple tree

Recent Examples on the Web But opposing schools in the West Valley League are beginning to retaliate by refusing to play at Granada Hills. — Eric Sondheimer Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2021 Sahagun went back with his brother to the man’s house to retaliate, his attorney, Joseph Roberts, said. — Meredith Colias-pete, chicagotribune.com, 30 Sep. 2021 While the watchdog report did not find evidence that this process was used to harass or retaliate, other issues were uncovered. — Geneva Sands, CNN, 23 Sep. 2021 The Taliban government has promised to let Americans and Afghans with proper travel documents leave the country and to not retaliate against those who helped the U.S. — Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2021 The Taliban government has promised to let Americans and Afghans with proper travel documents leave the country and to not retaliate against those who helped the United States. — BostonGlobe.com, 18 Sep. 2021 The Taliban government has promised to let Americans and Afghans with proper travel documents leave the country and to not retaliate against those who helped the United States. — Bernard Condon And Julie Watson, Anchorage Daily News, 18 Sep. 2021 The Islamist militant organization has promised not to retaliate, but evidence of Taliban killings, detentions and intimidation has emerged across Afghanistan. — Washington Post, 27 Aug. 2021 The Utah Republican’s remarks came shortly after Biden gave a speech vowing to retaliate for the attack. — Leia Larsen, The Salt Lake Tribune, 26 Aug. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'retaliate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.