RETALIATE Synonyms: 27 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'retaliate' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of retaliate are reciprocate , requite , and return . While all these words mean "to give back usually in kind or in quantity," retaliate usually implies a paying back of injury in exact kind, often vengefully. // the enemy retaliated by executing their prisoners

Q: When is 'reciprocate' a more appropriate choice than 'retaliate'?

While in some cases nearly identical to retaliate , 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

Q: Where would 'requite' be a reasonable alternative to 'retaliate'?

While the synonyms requite and retaliate are close in meaning, requite implies a paying back according to one's preference and often not equivalently. // requited her love with cold indifference

Q: When could 'return' be used to replace 'retaliate'?

The words return and retaliate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, return implies a paying or giving back. // returned their call // return good for evil

retaliate

verb

ri-ˈta-lē-ˌāt

Definition of retaliate next

as in to avenge

to punish in kind the wrongdoer responsible for retaliated his neighbor's malicious destruction of his flower garden by cutting down the man's prize apple tree

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How does the verb retaliate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of retaliate are reciprocate, requite, and return. While all these words mean "to give back usually in kind or in quantity," retaliate usually implies a paying back of injury in exact kind, often vengefully.

the enemy retaliated by executing their prisoners

When is reciprocate a more appropriate choice than retaliate?

While in some cases nearly identical to retaliate, 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

Where would requite be a reasonable alternative to retaliate?

While the synonyms requite and retaliate are close in meaning, requite implies a paying back according to one's preference and often not equivalently.

requited her love with cold indifference

When could return be used to replace retaliate?

The words return and retaliate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, return implies a paying or giving back.

returned their call

return good for evil

Examples 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 retaliate The charges followed workers' complaints that Amazon had apparently intimidated employees with security guards and illegally retaliated against workers unionizing. —

Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 19 Dec. 2024 Amazon also often posts anti-union literature at warehouses attempting to unionize, and has been accused of retaliating against or firing union leaders at specific warehouses. —

Caroline Haskins, WIRED, 19 Dec. 2024 Prosecutors also pointed out that Young has advocated for retaliating against those involved in prosecutions stemming from the Capitol riot. —

Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024 No matter how Washington proceeds, economic disruption is inevitable, and China will surely retaliate. —

Daniel H. Rosen, Foreign Affairs, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for retaliate