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

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

Relevance

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

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

This week, the network delivered a sharp retort, accusing the agency of waging a campaign of political retribution. — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026 But retorts in this arena could carry significant consequences. — Helen Branswell, STAT, 28 July 2026

Verb

Morgan retorted several of his statements. — Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026 The debtor and Labus retorted that the Trust is a valid spendthrift trust according to this plain language and thus the Trust assets were not available to creditors of the debtor. — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for retort

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retort

Noun

The post brought an immediate, hot-blooded riposte from Garry Tan.

— Nicholas Lemann, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026
Wong crafted a riposte to MGM’s faux China portrayed in The Good Earth by producing a motion picture about the actual China featuring a person with actual Chinese heritage, herself.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of riposte

Noun

Their responses were not edited and are in the candidates’ own words.

— Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Oct. 2026
More than 350 flights were canceled or delayed at Moscow airports, local media reported, as planes were grounded in response to incoming drones.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of response

Verb

The government did not respond to further questions sent in October for this article.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
Massie had aggravated Trump by pushing for the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files and opposing the Iran war, and the president responded by successfully backing Gallrein in the party’s primary.

— Michelle S. Price, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of respond

Noun

But even with such attitudinal strides, Pew Research shows that people’s fears about AI’s societal impact are high, and digital choirs hurl insults at any project featuring the tech.

— Corbin Bolies, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
Continue reading … SOUR NOTE — Hayley Williams unleashes vulgar insult at DHS after agency defends ICE officers.

— , FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of insult

Noun

Changing the nozzle instead of the color Creality's answer is called KliTek, a four-channel system that takes a slightly different approach.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026
They are discovered well beyond the bounds of the strategic map, where the winds shift, the old answers sink, and the pilot must find the way by dead reckoning.

— Jeff DeGraff, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of answer

Verb

For example, a user could reply to an iPhone text message by typing on an onscreen keyboard or using their voice to dictate a reply.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026
The Federal Trade Commission warns that even replying to an unexpected text can confirm that a scammer has reached a working telephone number.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of reply

Noun

The repartee sparkles; the farcical touches lighten the tone.

— Leigh Haber, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Beyond the repartee between Nick and Sam, Addy and Wyatt share a sibling-like relationship that could turn into something more, especially since Wyatt is nursing a broken heart following the sudden end of his engagement.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of repartee

Noun

Maximalism made its comeback, as embellishments, graphic tees and structured bras dominated many of the buzziest offerings, pushing past seasons’ minimalist tilt to the wayside.

— Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026
The comeback narrative surrounding ICEMAN might ultimately overshadow whatever praise HABIBTI receives in the years to come.

— Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of comeback

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

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verb

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