retort 1 of 2

retort

2 of 2

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 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 As responses go, this was as resounding as Muhammad Ali’s rope-a-dope retort during The Rumble in the Jungle against George Foreman. Beren Cross, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025
Verb
Dodger defenders retorted that (a) the team has done nothing untoward, (b) this is just smart business, and (c) this type of deal structure is available to all of the other 29 teams. Dan Freedman, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024 And, Yancy’s whole walkthrough of Stoney’s is absolutely disgusting, but his breathless retorts to all of the proprietor’s protests are comedy gold. Erin Qualey, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2024 See All Example Sentences for retort
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retort
Noun
  • Many saw the 40-year-old's base salary as a direct riposte to Verlander, who was Scherzer's teammate with the Detroit Tigers and New York Mets.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025
  • Night Temple is one small riposte to all that, from local artists no longer miserably waiting for the tides to turn.
    August Brown, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Immigration advocates are calling for stronger protections under the Trust Act in response to President Donald Trump’s plans for mass deportations of undocumented immigrants and the creation of a registry requiring those immigrants to self-register or could face prosecution.
    Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Newsom’s office cited the arguments laid out in the executive order in response to questions about the political timing of this decision.
    Stephen Hobbs, Sacramento Bee, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • His remains were discovered in the debris after officers responded to the explosion around 4:52 p.m. Feb. 15 in the 2200 block of Central Avenue, police said.
    Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Many of the owners who responded said the increases were forcing them to consider relocating.
    Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • During a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Brazil in November 2023, Messi and Rodrygo exchanged insults.
    Felipe Cardenas, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The jury found that on Aug. 19, after Stanford revoked her access, Mangi logged into the study database and replaced patient medical data with erroneous information and insults about her former supervisor, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
    Jason Green, The Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The answers are meant to be filled out by a single person in one sitting, with no way to save responses for a break.
    Sheryl Gay Stolberg, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Connections is released at midnight in your local time zone, so be sure to check back with Newsweek daily for more hints, clues and answers.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • My films reply to each other and to repair each other.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Mar. 2025
  • According to the employee, Stefanski replied that the investigators had questioned him about the Jeep.
    Dave Altimari, ProPublica, 7 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
  • His remarkable political comeback is a testament to resilience and the will of the people.
    Imran Khan, TIME, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Nothing follows Darkside’s 2021 comeback full-length, Spiral.
    Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 28 Feb. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Retort.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retort. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on retort

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!