Synonym Chooser

How does the noun rejoinder differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of rejoinder are answer, reply, response, and retort. While all these words mean "something spoken, written, or done in return," rejoinder can be a response to a reply or to an objection.

a salesman with a quick rejoinder to every argument

Where would answer be a reasonable alternative to rejoinder?

While in some cases nearly identical to rejoinder, answer implies the satisfying of a question, demand, call, or need.

had answers to all their questions

When is reply a more appropriate choice than rejoinder?

The meanings of reply and rejoinder largely overlap; however, reply often suggests a thorough response to all issues, points, or questions raised.

a point-by-point reply to the accusation

When could response be used to replace rejoinder?

The words response and rejoinder can be used in similar contexts, but response may imply a quick or spontaneous reaction to a person or thing that serves as a stimulus.

a response to the call for recruits

When can retort be used instead of rejoinder?

The synonyms retort and rejoinder are sometimes interchangeable, but retort implies a reaction to an implicit or explicit charge, criticism, or attack which contains a countercharge or counterattack.

she made a cutting retort to her critics

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 rejoinder At first glance, recent history would seem to furnish an obvious rejoinder to such caution: the United States waged, and won, a nearly half-century-long global struggle against the Soviet Union. Ali Wyne, Foreign Affairs, 23 Nov. 2022 And on top of that, the movie felt like a cruel rejoinder to anyone who’d ever believed that the once-red-hot Shyamalan could right the ship. Will Leitch, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2024 When critics warn about Trump’s threat, the constant rejoinder is that democracy already survived four years of Trump in office. Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018 This pushback and occasional calling to task not only makes for compelling reading, but serves as an apt rejoinder to those who would collapse their differences into some kind of monolithic Octoberite orthodoxy. Gordon Hughes, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for rejoinder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rejoinder
Noun
  • Heart tissue is remodeled in response to a heart attack or high blood pressure.
    Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Amazon said its lawsuit comes in response to a final order filed by the CPSC on January 17.
    Kate Gibson, CBS News, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Her post began with a screenshot of her earlier remark about bracing for backlash to Meghan’s new Netflix series before revealing the Duchess' witty handwritten reply.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025
  • For instance, Salesforce Einstein provides leaders with automation to personalize emails with real-time data and reply to social media or marketing activities, which helps strengthen the connection with their audience. 4.
    Jon Michail, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Looking for Wednesday’s Wordle hints, clues and answer?
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Hopefully, the pursuit of science will give us some real answers to real questions.
    Manuela López Restrepo, NPR, 19 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rejoinder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rejoinder. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on rejoinder

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