RETALIATE Synonyms: 27 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'retaliate' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of retaliate are reciprocate , requite , and return . While all these words mean "to give back usually in kind or in quantity," retaliate usually implies a paying back of injury in exact kind, often vengefully. // the enemy retaliated by executing their prisoners

Q: When is 'reciprocate' a more appropriate choice than 'retaliate'?

While in some cases nearly identical to retaliate , reciprocate implies a mutual or equivalent exchange or a paying back of what one has received. // reciprocated their hospitality by inviting them for a visit

Q: Where would 'requite' be a reasonable alternative to 'retaliate'?

While the synonyms requite and retaliate are close in meaning, requite implies a paying back according to one's preference and often not equivalently. // requited her love with cold indifference

Q: When could 'return' be used to replace 'retaliate'?

The words return and retaliate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, return implies a paying or giving back. // returned their call // return good for evil

retaliate

verb

ri-ˈta-lē-ˌāt

Definition of retaliate next

as in to avenge

to punish in kind the wrongdoer responsible for retaliated his neighbor's malicious destruction of his flower garden by cutting down the man's prize apple tree

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How does the verb retaliate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of retaliate are reciprocate, requite, and return. While all these words mean "to give back usually in kind or in quantity," retaliate usually implies a paying back of injury in exact kind, often vengefully.

the enemy retaliated by executing their prisoners

When is reciprocate a more appropriate choice than retaliate?

While in some cases nearly identical to retaliate, reciprocate implies a mutual or equivalent exchange or a paying back of what one has received.

reciprocated their hospitality by inviting them for a visit

Where would requite be a reasonable alternative to retaliate?

While the synonyms requite and retaliate are close in meaning, requite implies a paying back according to one's preference and often not equivalently.

requited her love with cold indifference

When could return be used to replace retaliate?

The words return and retaliate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, return implies a paying or giving back.

returned their call

return good for evil

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 retaliate Tanker traffic collapsed after Iran retaliated by attacking commercials ships, triggering the largest oil supply disruption in history. —

Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 23 June 2026 The jury being selected Monday will be tasked with evaluating the allegations that King retaliated against Saulter. —

Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 June 2026 As a show of their doubt, top Iranian officials have vowed to sharply retaliate if the US violates the deal. —

Lou Robinson, CNN Money, 19 June 2026 Kit O'Doherty, founder of the nonprofit Partners in Animal Care & Compassion, claims the shelter has engaged in improper euthanasia practices, failed to provide adequate care for animals and retaliated against volunteers and advocates who raised concerns. —

Maddie White, CBS News, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for retaliate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retaliate

avenge

Verb

His character leads outcast samurai seeking to avenge their master's killing.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 June 2026
The work reflects on the Greek myth of Orestes—the son who murdered his mother, Clytemnestra, to avenge the death of his father, Agamemnon.

— Zehra Jumabhoy, Artforum, 25 June 2026

Definition of avenge

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retaking

retaliate

retaliated

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“Retaliate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retaliate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of retaliate

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