RETORT Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

retort 1 of 2

noun

Definition of retort next

as in riposte

a quick witty response she responded to the heckler with a scathing but hilarious retort that instantly won over the audience

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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

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retort

2 of 2

verb

ri-ˈtȯrt

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!"

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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

If, by our standard, that is glaring plagiarism, the obvious retort is that the standard of the early seventeenth century was a very different beast. —

Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2026 LeBron James didn’t hold back from his retorts over his late-in-the-game elbow injury Thursday night against the Denver Nuggets. —

Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 6 Mar. 2026

Verb

Alito retorted to laughter from the courtroom. —

Nina Totenberg, NPR, 25 Feb. 2026 After critics picked apart her appearance during the 2015 Wimbledon tennis tournament, Williams took to social media and retorted with a carefree beach selfie. —

Grace Gavilanes, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for retort

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retort

Noun

Meanwhile, on Wednesday evening, Carr posted a riposte to a commenter on X who took aim at the FCC chief.

— Todd Spangler, Variety, 30 Apr. 2026
The riposte sealed his break with Surrealist affiliation.

— Ara H. Merjian, ARTnews.com, 16 Apr. 2026

Definition of riposte

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retools

retort

retorted

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“Retort.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retort. Accessed 22 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of retort

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