retort 1 of 2

noun

Definition of retortnext
1
as in riposte
a quick witty response she responded to the heckler with a scathing but hilarious retort that instantly won over the audience

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in response
something spoken or written in reaction especially to a question the salesclerk responded to my query about the price with a brusque retort

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

retort

2 of 2

verb

ri-ˈtȯrt How to pronounce retort (audio)
as in to respond
to speak or write in reaction to a question or to another reaction when told she couldn't have it, she retorted, "Fine, I didn't want it anyway!"

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
These teams are squaring up and covering every inch of hardwood, a seesawing retort to the critics lazily decrying modern defense. —Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 13 May 2025 After seeing hilarious retort that Google suggested, Galek couldn't resist sharing it on TikTok (@itsjuliagalek). —Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
Verb
Rhodes further retorted with a crude remark about Cena's microphone skills versus his physical attributes, and cautioned him against exaggerating his positive impact on WWE upon his departure. —Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025 In contrast, an optimist would likely retort that this super-AGI collective could pursue the aim of aiding humankind and being our best friend forever. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for retort
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retort
  1. riposte
  2. response
  3. respond
  4. insult
  5. answer
  6. reply
  7. repartee
  8. comeback
Noun
  • Beating the best that Europe had to offer in the Champions League was a neat riposte.
    — Phil Hay June 2, New York Times, 2 June 2025
  • 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
Definition of riposte
Noun
  • Customers have come to expect lightning-fast response times at every hour.
    — Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Texas officials have also pledged to analyze the emergency response and make changes as needed.
    — Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of response
Verb
  • Officers responded to area of West Gate and Middle Street around 7 p.m. on Saturday for a crash involving a motorcycle and a motor vehicle, according to the Bristol Police Department.
    — Staff report, Hartford Courant, 13 July 2025
  • World Liberty Financial declined to comment, and the Trump Organization did not respond to an inquiry.
    — Zach Everson, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
Definition of respond
Noun
  • Adding insult, he was called for eight fouls in Tuesday night’s victory over the Golden State Warriors, with players allowed 10 in summer league, four above the regular-season maximum.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2025
  • Amid the mix of compliments and insults from obvious trolls, many thought ATB bore a striking resemblance to another member of the family.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 8 July 2025
Definition of insult
Noun
  • Cultural practice has the answer for everything and surfing is a metaphor for life.
    — Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 July 2025
  • The famed Pacific Crest Trail (the West Coast's grueling, 2,653-mile-long answer to the Appalachian Trail) also passes nearby on its way up to the Canadian border.
    — Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2025
Definition of answer
Verb
  • Mascherano replied, when asked Friday morning if Messi would be traveling and available for the match.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 5 July 2025
  • In comparison, 23% of the older generations replied the same.
    — Michelle Fox, CNBC, 5 July 2025
Definition of reply
Noun
  • His brother Richard Rosenthal is Somebody Feed Phil’s executive producer and showrunner; their on-camera repartee is a golden fan-favorite.
    — Laura Manske, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • Most voters are worried about high prices for food, energy and housing, rather than their leader’s Oval Office repartee.
    — Alexander Smith, NBC news, 30 Mar. 2025
Definition of repartee
Noun
  • His second win capped an amazing comeback from a hunting accident that left him critically wounded.
    — Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 10 July 2025
  • Billboard also reports that streams of their back catalog has leapt 93% since their comeback show on July 4.
    — Thomas Smith, Billboard, 10 July 2025
Definition of comeback

Browse Nearby Words

retools
retort
retorted
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Cite this Entry

“Retort.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retort. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on retort

Nglish: Translation of retort for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about retort

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