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comeback

comeback

47 3.7
A quick witty or critical reply to a remark
  • noun
  • /ˈkʌmˌbæk/
translation icon : réplica
  • After his insult, she quickly thought of a brilliant comeback that made everyone laugh.

You say the wrong things, you come, your comebacks are way too sassy.

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Examples

Synonyms

response
vscomeback
1.0

A written or spoken answer to a question

is a quick witty or critical utterance rather than just any answer
reply
vscomeback
251 1.0

An answer in speech or writing to a question from someone

is a swift witty or critical answer rather than a plain remark
counter
vscomeback
39 3.9

A quick reply or action in response to something

is specifically a quick witty or critical verbal answer rather than actions
zinger
vscomeback
  • Informal
19 8.1

A short clever remark that surprises and amuses people

is usually a reply but more focused on quick wit than shock
retort
vscomeback
14 6.1

A quick clever reply to a comment that shows anger or wit

is used for quick witty replies to remarks or questions generally
repartee
vscomeback
9 8.3

Short, clever answers that make people laugh or the skill of giving them in conversation

is a single rapid reply rather than the ongoing skill or style
rejoinder
vscomeback
4 7.7

A quick clever reply that answers and often criticizes someone

is a more general quick reply to remarks or questions
riposte
vscomeback
2 8.3

A quick clever reply to a remark or criticism

is the broader phrase for quick witty replies in conversation
quick comeback
vscomeback
  • Informal
1 3.6

A fast, clever reply to a remark or insult

is the general idea for any quick witty or critical reply
clever riposte
vscomeback
7.1

A quick smart reply that surprises and stops someone from criticizing you

is similar but focuses on general witty or critical answers
sharp riposte
vscomeback
8.2

A quick clever reply that answers an insult or criticism

is the more general term for quick witty replies
quick riposte
vscomeback
7.4

A quick, clever reply that surprises others

is similar but not limited to very rapid conversational answers
quick-fire response
vscomeback
4.4

A very quick answer to a question given without thinking, often one after another

is a single witty or critical reply rather than rapid multiple answers
instant reply
vscomeback
2.8

A quick answer you get without delay

is about wit or criticism rather than mere speed of response
right-on response
vscomeback
7.2

An answer that is exactly correct for the situation

is more about wit or criticism than exact correctness in answer

Antonyms

660 2.0

A period with no sound or speech

Idioms

A time when someone fails and later succeeds again

Compounds

quick comeback
  • Informal
1 3.6

A fast, clever reply to a remark or insult

How Witty

zinger
  • Informal
19 8.1
retort
14 6.1
comeback
47 3.7
remark
371 1.4

Surface Forms

comeback singular
comebacks plural

Morphology

comeback = come (semi-transparent) = back + come

The components 'come' + 'back' are clear, but the specific idiomatic sense 'witty reply' is a metaphorical extension of 'come back' and may not be directly deducible by all learners. [Postprocessing: moved 'back' from base_words to prefix]

Etymology

The word comeback comes from the simple parts come and back, which together mean 'to come back'. A helpful image is your words 'coming back' at someone as a quick, sharp reply, so a comeback is a witty answer.