RETALIATE Synonyms: 27 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'retaliate' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of retaliate are reciprocate , requite , and return . While all these words mean "to give back usually in kind or in quantity," retaliate usually implies a paying back of injury in exact kind, often vengefully. // the enemy retaliated by executing their prisoners

Q: When is 'reciprocate' a more appropriate choice than 'retaliate'?

While in some cases nearly identical to retaliate , reciprocate implies a mutual or equivalent exchange or a paying back of what one has received. // reciprocated their hospitality by inviting them for a visit

Q: Where would 'requite' be a reasonable alternative to 'retaliate'?

While the synonyms requite and retaliate are close in meaning, requite implies a paying back according to one's preference and often not equivalently. // requited her love with cold indifference

Q: When could 'return' be used to replace 'retaliate'?

The words return and retaliate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, return implies a paying or giving back. // returned their call // return good for evil

retaliate

verb

ri-ˈta-lē-ˌāt

Definition of retaliate

as in to avenge

to punish in kind the wrongdoer responsible for retaliated his neighbor's malicious destruction of his flower garden by cutting down the man's prize apple tree

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How does the verb retaliate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of retaliate are reciprocate, requite, and return. While all these words mean "to give back usually in kind or in quantity," retaliate usually implies a paying back of injury in exact kind, often vengefully.

the enemy retaliated by executing their prisoners

When is reciprocate a more appropriate choice than retaliate?

While in some cases nearly identical to retaliate, reciprocate implies a mutual or equivalent exchange or a paying back of what one has received.

reciprocated their hospitality by inviting them for a visit

Where would requite be a reasonable alternative to retaliate?

While the synonyms requite and retaliate are close in meaning, requite implies a paying back according to one's preference and often not equivalently.

requited her love with cold indifference

When could return be used to replace retaliate?

The words return and retaliate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, return implies a paying or giving back.

returned their call

return good for evil

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 retaliate The rebel group retaliated by declaring the truce dead and announced a naval blockade on Saudi ships. — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026 Two officers who conducted the internal investigation into Martin’s use of force sued the city for violating the Whistleblower Act, alleging they were retaliated against for recommending to Fitzgerald that Martin be fired. — Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 2026 Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu/Getty Israel retaliated by giving Britain 30 days to close its east Jerusalem consulate. — Dov Lieber, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 Meanwhile, the Houthis are reportedly retaliating by stepping up missile and drone attacks against Saudi targets including airports, military facilities, and an Aramco oil refinery. — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for retaliate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retaliate

avenge

Verb

After a year-long investigation into the killing of a Liberty City activist who was gunned down while playing dominoes outside his restaurant, police say the man who pulled the trigger may have been seeking to avenge his brother’s killing.

— David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
Hanuman inspires him to avenge the rape of his mother by a corrupt policeman working for a deceitful Hindu nationalist spiritual leader.

— Sohini Sarah Pillai, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of avenge

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retaking

retaliate

retaliated

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“Retaliate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retaliate. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of retaliate

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