riposte 1 of 2

as in retort
a quick witty response he's known for having a brilliant riposte to nearly any insult

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riposte

2 of 2

verb

as in to respond
to speak or write in reaction to a question or to another reaction at cocktail parties she could riposte with lightning speed to even the most unexpected quip

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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 riposte
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 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
Verb
Some enemy attacks can only be dodged, while parrying others gives you the opportunity to riposte. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for riposte
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riposte
Noun
  • Even an otherwise neutral comment can be contorted into a sarcastic retort, an insult or a counterattack.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Lanning’s retort might be a sore spot for Gundy, whose contract was restructured in December after a dismal 3-9 season in 2024, with the $1 million savings reportedly being allocated toward the players.
    Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Newsrooms — like many other companies, amid a tight labor market and booming economy — responded with intense sympathy for junior employees who felt mistreated by managers and bullied by untouchable stars.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Jackson responded by shoving the fan back.
    Jenna West, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Smith replied that private schools must submit renewal packets every year before they are approved to continue participation in the accounts program, and that the agency compares the new tuition rates against the older rates.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The Kennedy Center's press office did not immediately reply to NPR's request for comment on the dismissal and a query about the future of jazz and Millennium Stage programming.
    Anastasia Tsioulcas, NPR, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That was a 12-play, 75-yard drive for the Razorbacks to answer the Rebels' first score.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Kirk was answering an audience question about mass shootings when the bullet struck his neck, causing students and visitors to flee in panic.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Riposte.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riposte. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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