Synonym Chooser

How does the noun repartee differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of repartee are humor, irony, sarcasm, satire, and wit. While all these words mean "a mode of expression intended to arouse amusement," repartee implies the power of answering quickly, pointedly, or wittily.

a dinner guest noted for repartee

When could humor be used to replace repartee?

The synonyms humor and repartee are sometimes interchangeable, but humor implies an ability to perceive the ludicrous, the comical, and the absurd in human life and to express these usually without bitterness.

a sense of humor

Where would irony be a reasonable alternative to repartee?

While the synonyms irony and repartee are close in meaning, irony applies to a manner of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is seemingly expressed.

the irony of the title

When would sarcasm be a good substitute for repartee?

In some situations, the words sarcasm and repartee are roughly equivalent. However, sarcasm applies to expression frequently in the form of irony that is intended to cut or wound.

given to heartless sarcasm

When might satire be a better fit than repartee?

The meanings of satire and repartee largely overlap; however, satire applies to writing that exposes or ridicules conduct, doctrines, or institutions either by direct criticism or more often through irony, parody, or caricature.

a satire on the Congress

When is wit a more appropriate choice than repartee?

While in some cases nearly identical to repartee, wit suggests the power to evoke laughter by remarks showing verbal felicity or ingenuity and swift perception especially of the incongruous.

a playful wit

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 repartee Charton is disarming and funny, and the two are clearly enamored with each other, falling into natural repartee about their kids and each other. Rachel Handler, Vulture, 23 Jan. 2025 This is a love affair blossoming on the planet of non sequiturs, the kind of repartee moviegoers used to get with William Powell and Carole Lombard, or Cary Grant and Irene Dunne. Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 17 Jan. 2025 The audience was often in stitches thanks to her witty repartee—and Stewart has given his seal of approval. Billie Schwab Dunn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025 The resulting series has a lot of fun with its premise, boosted even further by the affectionate repartee between stars Stephanie Hsu and Zosia Mamet. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for repartee
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repartee
Noun
  • Middle East crisis — explained The report sparked a retort from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has deflected personal responsibility in the security failure.
    Daniel Estrin, NPR, 5 Mar. 2025
  • The next day, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz began his speech to the conference with a retort to Vance.
    Massimo Calabresi/Dachau, TIME, 22 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Postgame press conferences this season for TCU women’s basketball have often been joyous occasions with jokes from head coach Mark Campbell and witty banter between his star players.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Throughout the process, Jenna and Nick worked together, discussing design choices and sharing light-hearted banter.
    USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In The Kitchen, Wesker tracked the decorum from friendly badinage to hostile vernacular that co-workers sustain just to get through the day.
    Armond White, National Review, 30 Oct. 2024
  • While Hawley hasn’t left behind any of his signature philosophical dialogue or memorable badinage, Season 5 is also the most reliant on the camera to make its points.
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 13 Aug. 2024
Noun
  • The duchess gave an exaggerated shrug before stifling a laugh.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
  • The friendly exes were spotted sharing a laugh at a paintball party for their youngest child on March 2 to celebrate Samuel becoming a teenager, as seen in photos shared by Page Six.
    Hannah Sacks, People.com, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The joke being: Champagnes are sparkling wines that come only from the Champagne region of France.
    Timothy DePeugh, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2025
  • The joke sparked a furious backlash within Shinde’s Hindu supremacist Shiv Sena political party.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • With time, their caustic raillery transforms into sincere attachment.
    Charlie Tyson, The Atlantic, 13 May 2021
  • French’s evocation of place, a rural way of life and overall creepiness are superb, as is the dialogue, a festival of Irish raillery and repartee.
    Washington Post, Washington Post, 14 Oct. 2020
Noun
  • The movie is a traditional Western right down to its narrative bones, but Kasdan and his actors infuse it with a raucous, even modern, sense of energy and humor.
    Sezin Devi Keohler, EW.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Social media users have responded with criticism and humor, questioning the aggressive fundraising tactics.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In French air force service, the Mirage 2000-5F flies with a combination of a Serval radar warning receiver, a Sabre jammer and an Eclair chaff and flare dispenser.
    David Axe, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Not wind but a chaff of pollen choking in that whirl.
    David Baker, The Atlantic, 8 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Repartee.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repartee. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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