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
  • Cincinnati mayoral candidate Cory Bowman, the half brother of U.S. Vice President JD Vance, is calling for the removal of Cincinnati's city manager in response to the viral video fight over the weekend.
    — Patricia Gallagher Newberry, The Enquirer, 29 July 2025
  • In response to that, Gov. Katie Hobbs and U.S. Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., called on the U.S. Interior Department to investigate how the fire was managed.
    — Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 29 July 2025
Definition of response
Verb
  • The files include narratives from officers who first responded to the scene.
    — Robert Birsel Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
  • Officers responded to the restaurant on the evening of July 5 after receiving reports of a fight among girls in the parking lot.
    — Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 24 July 2025
Definition of respond
Noun
  • And the gratuitous insults—to NATO allies, the European Union, the BRICs, the United Nations, or the World Health Organization—continue to flow from the president.
    — MARGARET MACMILLAN, Foreign Affairs, 21 July 2025
  • The Steals and Deals segment on the WFTV newscasts are annoying and an insult to the viewers!
    — Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 July 2025
Definition of insult
Noun
  • All, in legally binding answers, said no. Council unanimously approved an amendment on Thursday that requires an annual report on the implementation of the new code requirements.
    — Ella McCarthy, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • If a student tries to evade this process and just asks for the answer, the AI will resist the request and instead redirect the student to engage with the material.
    — Ray Ravaglia, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
Definition of answer
Verb
  • The Princely House of Liechtenstein has not replied to PEOPLE's request for further comment.
    — Janine Henni, People.com, 29 July 2025
  • View Your Comment Section Like A Sales Channel Treat comments as a sales channel by monitoring, replying and converting directly in the thread.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Definition of reply
Noun
  • Balki and cousin Larry slipped right into their old repartee from the beloved ABC sitcom.
    — Ryan Coleman Published, EW.com, 14 July 2025
  • 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
Definition of repartee
Noun
  • Catcher Francisco Alvarez, called up earlier in the day from Triple-A Syracuse, continued the comeback effort in the eighth, helping the Mets score two more to take the first game of the series 7-5 on Monday night at Citi Field.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 22 July 2025
  • The move comes as Stephens rides high from Rizzle Kicks’ comeback tour following a nine-year hiatus.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 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 4 Aug. 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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