riposte 1 of 2

as in retort
a quick witty response he's known for having a brilliant riposte to nearly any insult

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riposte

2 of 2

verb

as in to respond
to speak or write in reaction to a question or to another reaction at cocktail parties she could riposte with lightning speed to even the most unexpected quip

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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 riposte
Noun
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 This seemed to be a function of its light weight and thinness, a riposte to the ubiquitous Michelin Man-esque puffer. Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
Some enemy attacks can only be dodged, while parrying others gives you the opportunity to riposte. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for riposte
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riposte
Noun
  • Late Saturday night, a question about the LSU offense led to a fiery retort from head coach Brian Kelly and one of the 2025 season’s early viral moments.
    Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Even an otherwise neutral comment can be contorted into a sarcastic retort, an insult or a counterattack.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • At least three of the drones were shot down, Warsaw said, with Polish F-16 and Dutch F-35 fighter jets scrambled to respond.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2025
  • To respond to a volatile inflation crisis, should the CEO of Burger & Bites, a fictional fast-food chain, introduce dynamic pricing to its restaurants?
    Elie Ofek, Harvard Business Review, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Perry glared back at them but did not reply.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Cohen enthusiastically replied, before giving her a high five and a standing ovation, shortly followed by guest Mark Ronson, who also stood to applaud Brooks.
    Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That was a 12-play, 75-yard drive for the Razorbacks to answer the Rebels' first score.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Kirk was answering an audience question about mass shootings when the bullet struck his neck, causing students and visitors to flee in panic.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Riposte.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riposte. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.

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