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
The two wins represent a retort of sorts to the Nashville establishment, which has largely ignored Beyoncé’s move into the clubby world of country, a story that has been building for nearly a decade. Ben Sisario, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2025 The governor, through his personal account, has offered retorts to a host of claims about his governance from popular and little-known Republicans. Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 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
  • During that riposte, Al-Khelaifi revealed his theory of why the Argentine found things difficult in the French capital.
    Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • This seemed to be a function of its light weight and thinness, a riposte to the ubiquitous Michelin Man-esque puffer.
    Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 6 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • President Donald Trump offered U.S. support to Southeast Asia in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake, but his administration's previous cuts to foreign aid could impede the response.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Star sports commentator Pat McAfee loudly lambasted the Canadian fans for booing and the country as a whole in response during the Peacock broadcast.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • French European Affairs Minister Benjamin Haddad said a trade war isn't the goal, but the EU will respond more forcefully if needed.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
  • McCotter responded that the more justices worry about how significant the program is, the greater the reason Congress should be more involved.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The dispute stems from last year’s feud wherein Drake and Lamar traded increasingly personal and unverified insults in a series of songs.
    Alli Rosenbloom, CNN, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Tariffs on Canadian exports and repeated insults by President Donald Trump about Canada becoming the 51st state have Canadians pushing back with a term hockey fans may be familiar with.
    Jalen Williams, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Looking for Wednesday’s Wordle hints, clues and answer?
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • The answer to that question is no, according to NASA.
    David Chiu, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Hebrew University did not reply to a request for comment.
    Shira Li Bartov, Sun Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2025
  • The police department did not immediately reply to questions about claims by city council members that the use of force was excessive and their calls for an investigation regarding the incident.
    Tesfaye Negussie, ABC News, 19 Mar. 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
  • Bannon came up with the amazing comeback to secure the submission win.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • His return to boxing is considered one of the most impressive athletic comebacks in the history of American sports.
    Landon Mion, Fox News, 22 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Retort.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retort. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

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