Synonyms for retort
- noun
- verb
Synonyms by meaning
Noun
Other
Verb
2. Rejoinder — to say something sharp or witty in answer to a remark or accusation
Other
Definitions
- n. 1
A sharp or witty reply, or one which turns an argument against its originator; a comeback.
He countered her insult with a clever retort.
- v. 1
To say something sharp or witty in answer to a remark or accusation.
- v. 2
To make a remark which reverses an argument upon its originator; to return, as an argument, accusation, censure, or incivility.
to retort the charge of vanity
Related words
- Phrases
- retort pouch retort stand retort bag
Choose the right word
Repartee is a prompt, witty, and commonly good-natured answer to some argument or attack; a retort may also be witty, but is severe and may be even savage in its intensity.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- answer To my surprise, she could not answer the question.
- response She smiled in response to his affectionate glance.
- reply There was no reply, even after several complaints.
- quip That quip was just not funny enough.
By length
- 4 letters
- quip1
- 5 letters
- reply2, repay2, rebut2
- 6 letters
- answer2, return2
- 7 letters
- counter2, respond2, riposte2
- 8 letters
- response2, comeback2, repartee3
- 9 letters
- retaliate4, rejoinder3
- 11 letters
- replication4
- 13 letters
- recrimination5
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (reply2 = 2 syllables).