retort 1 of 2

retort

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun retort differ from other similar words?

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

When can answer be used instead of retort?

While the synonyms answer and retort are close in meaning, answer implies the satisfying of a question, demand, call, or need.

had answers to all their questions

In what contexts can rejoinder take the place of retort?

Although the words rejoinder and retort have much in common, rejoinder can be a response to a reply or to an objection.

a salesman with a quick rejoinder to every argument

When would reply be a good substitute for retort?

The synonyms reply and retort are sometimes interchangeable, but reply often suggests a thorough response to all issues, points, or questions raised.

a point-by-point reply to the accusation

When is it sensible to use response instead of retort?

While in some cases nearly identical to retort, 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

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 retort
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
Verb
That led Chair Mike Lee to retort that the documents arrived at 5:40pm yesterday and that the committee office was open until 6pm. Daniel Moore, Axios, 15 Jan. 2025 The phrase is catchy but focused on what was without a clear path to what can be unburdened by what has been, as Kamala Harris famously retorts. Brea Baker, refinery29.com, 22 Aug. 2024 See All Example Sentences for retort
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retort
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
  • Less than two minutes later, Isak delivered his usual riposte.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The pause came hours after the European Union voted to approve retaliatory tariffs on $23 billion in goods, starting April 15, in response to Trump’s previously announced 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum—which remain in effect.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The China Film Administration (CFA), the body that handles film releases and quotas in the country, released a statement on Thursday in response to a reporter’s question about whether the Trump administration’s increasing tariffs on China would impact imports of American films.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Humans, on the other hand, are quick to respond to Tyrion.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The Kings did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But some Republican registrars took them as an insult, and at least one, Lisa Amatruda of Woodbury, walked out.
    Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 16 Apr. 2025
  • The imitation Punisher logo on Cole’s bullet was no act of flattery, but the most vile of insults.
    Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But the short answer either way was: Good God, yes!
    Chris Willman, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
  • In contrast to the chunky, bedazzled pieces of years past, the 2025 answer to the belly ring is more subtle, incorporating thin, sleek shapes, dainty gemstones, and flipping the structure of the traditional barbell on its head.
    Marianne Mychaskiw, Allure, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Shaheen replied that foreign aid comprises only about 1% of the federal budget and asked Burch to name examples of aid that conflicted with U.S. foreign policy.
    Peter Smith, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Bow Wow recently cleared the air on his current relationship with Omarion, and the 40-year-old singer quickly replied.
    Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • For all his entertaining repartee, Hedges is keenly aware of when to lock in.
    Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Ally and Jay are both sarcastic, too — their best lines are muttered under their breaths — and their repartee becomes more interesting than the bloody theatrics.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Despite the pundits’ predictions, early polling has shown Harris is widely favored to make a comeback after losing to Trump in November.
    Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Felix reveals Williams' candidness about a difficult pregnancy and return to competition inspired her own comeback story.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Retort.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retort. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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