riposte 1 of 2

Definition of ripostenext
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
Olivia Colman matches salty ripostes with aching vulnerability as Fisherwoman, who’s ostracized for her independence in a medieval village where every citizen is known only by their profession. Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 30 Jan. 2026 Larkin tried to come up with a witty riposte but came up empty. Jeff Spry, Space.com, 10 Dec. 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
  • Already the encyclical letter is being interpreted by many as a clear and concise retort to Silicon Valley about the future of civilization.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 25 May 2026
  • That threat drew a sharp retort from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
    Andrew Muhammad, The Conversation, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • The witness directed responding officers to Parking Structure 8, where Akindahunsi was taken into custody.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
  • Arkema was the only company to respond to a request for comment.
    Jason Henry, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • Owners Lew Pettis and Chris Gerke did not reply to a message earlier this year seeking details.
    Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 2 June 2026
  • Pratt replied to a post on X about Kimmel's comments the following day with a photo of his parents' house, which burned down in last year's Pacific Palisades fires.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • But most things in life are not answered so simply.
    Erika Ettin, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026
  • The Nigerian Giant dumped Galeno into the crowd, but Galeno answered with several steel chair shots on the big man.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Riposte.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riposte. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

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