REJOINDER Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'rejoinder' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of rejoinder are answer , reply , response , and retort . While all these words mean "something spoken, written, or done in return," rejoinder can be a response to a reply or to an objection. // a salesman with a quick rejoinder to every argument

Q: Where would 'answer' be a reasonable alternative to 'rejoinder'?

While in some cases nearly identical to rejoinder , answer implies the satisfying of a question, demand, call, or need. // had answers to all their questions

Q: When is 'reply' a more appropriate choice than 'rejoinder'?

The meanings of reply and rejoinder largely overlap; however, reply often suggests a thorough response to all issues, points, or questions raised. // a point-by-point reply to the accusation

Q: When could 'response' be used to replace 'rejoinder'?

The words response and rejoinder can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Q: When can 'retort' be used instead of 'rejoinder'?

The synonyms retort and rejoinder are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

rejoinder

noun

ri-ˈjȯin-dər

Definition of rejoinder

as in response

something spoken or written in reaction especially to a question he always has a smart-aleck rejoinder to everything

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How does the noun rejoinder differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of rejoinder are answer, reply, response, and retort. While all these words mean "something spoken, written, or done in return," rejoinder can be a response to a reply or to an objection.

a salesman with a quick rejoinder to every argument

Where would answer be a reasonable alternative to rejoinder?

While in some cases nearly identical to rejoinder, answer implies the satisfying of a question, demand, call, or need.

had answers to all their questions

When is reply a more appropriate choice than rejoinder?

The meanings of reply and rejoinder largely overlap; however, reply often suggests a thorough response to all issues, points, or questions raised.

a point-by-point reply to the accusation

When could response be used to replace rejoinder?

The words response and rejoinder can be used in similar contexts, but 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

When can retort be used instead of rejoinder?

The synonyms retort and rejoinder are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

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 rejoinder The rebellion reached its height in the early 2000s, a bloody rejoinder to the booming economy fueled by the rise of outsourcing in IT and software, and optimism about India’s future. — Dhruv Tikekar, CNN Money, 30 May 2026 His Joe is a real cynic, with demons in his closet; his rejoinders come from a tough place. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 May 2026 The videos are an unsubtle rejoinder to the West Coast ruler status Lamar flaunted on GNX. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 21 May 2026 The film’s considerable artistry, of course, is its own rejoinder. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for rejoinder

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rejoinder

Noun

Rather than just controlling throttle response, as most of these systems do on electric bikes, Bonnell’s clutch actually ramps phase amps directly, creating a more natural clutch-like feel, the company’s CEO says.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
Former senior vice president of people and culture Erin Dangerfield, now Golden State’s chief people officer, allegedly questioned Vasquez about her responses in the survey.

— Devon Henderson, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of response

Noun

Secure Messaging provides additional ways for families to communicate, including Talk-to-Text, voice messages, photos, emojis, GIF stickers, preset quick replies, e-greeting cards, and group chats.

— Jon Stojan, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Messages of greater than 100 words were more likely to receive a quick reply than short messages of 4-25 words.

— Paul Hsieh, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of reply

Noun

That Louisiana courtroom might not be the answer, either, if a federal ruling from the SEC’s suit tops one from a state court.

— Matt Baker, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
When a system is tuned to favor short, punchy sentences and immediate answers, those internal rules act like heavy gravity.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of answer

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“Rejoinder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rejoinder. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of rejoinder

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