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repartee

repartee

9 8.3
Short, clever answers that make people laugh or the skill of giving them in conversation
  • noun
  • /ˌrɛpərˈti/
translation icon : repartee
  • Her witty repartee made the dinner party extremely enjoyable.
  • witty repartee
  • snappy repartee
  • brilliant repartee

I was expecting a much higher level of repartee, right post give and take.

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Examples

  • Simon's flair for verbal repartee is as theatrical and intellectual as the dramatic culture he parodies.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • We had a lively repartee, and we met up for the first time over drinks.

    Blog text (22)
  • It's tough when you get used to this kind of repartee to go sit with real people.

  • I was expecting a much higher level of repartee, right post give and take.

  • Is that the end of the intelligent repartee?

  • Together we engaged in what I took at the time to be witty repartee.

    Academic text (2009)
  • Such brilliant repartee.

  • Aisha cannot be bested when it comes to repartee.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • We couldn't help but overhear your delightful repartee.

  • What clever repartee.

Synonyms

comeback
vsrepartee
47 3.7

A quick witty or critical reply to a remark

is the overall ability to reply cleverly rather than just one biting response
zinger
vsrepartee
  • Informal
19 8.1

A short clever remark that surprises and amuses people

is the steady ability for quick clever replies rather than one sharp surprising remark
cleverness
vsrepartee
16 2.8

Quick thinking that finds smart new ideas and solutions

applies specifically to quick witty replies in talk rather than broad intelligence
retort
vsrepartee
14 6.1

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

is the general capacity for swift clever replies rather than a single answer
witticism
vsrepartee
5 7.2

A clever short remark meant to make people laugh

is the practical skill of quick conversational short replies rather than general amusing remarks
rejoinder
vsrepartee
4 7.7

A quick clever reply that answers and often criticizes someone

is the overall ability or ongoing exchange rather than one brief reply
bon mot
vsrepartee
  • Formal
4 9.3

A clever short comment that makes people laugh

is more about quick back and forth skill rather than isolated witty sayings
mot
vsrepartee
4 9.9

A short clever remark that often makes people laugh

is focused on rapid conversational replies rather than individual memorable sayings
riposte
vsrepartee
2 8.3

A quick clever reply to a remark or criticism

is a general skill or series of clever replies rather than a single answer
sharp wit
vsrepartee
2 4.1

To make quick, clever, funny comments that amuse people

is broader, covering quick clever replies in conversation rather than only sharp comments
smartness
vsrepartee
1 4.0

The ability to think quickly and act cleverly

is the conversational skill to answer wittily rather than a general intelligence trait
quick comeback
vsrepartee
  • Informal
1 3.6

A fast, clever reply to a remark or insult

is the general ability for witty responses rather than only replies to insults
wittiness
vsrepartee
1 5.0

The ability to make quick clever remarks that make people laugh

is the active ability to make quick clever replies rather than just the trait
snip-snap banter
vsrepartee
  • UK
9.0

A quick, funny talk where people tease each other playfully

is the broader ability to make quick clever replies rather than an exchange
quick riposte
vsrepartee
7.4

A quick, clever reply that surprises others

is the general talent for quick cleverness rather than a single instant reply
sharp riposte
vsrepartee
8.2

A quick clever reply that answers an insult or criticism

is the broader ability to respond wittily rather than focused on harsh counterattack
clever riposte
vsrepartee
7.1

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

is the wider skill of quick verbal play rather than only single clever answers
quick-wittedness
vsrepartee
6.5

To think and answer fast and cleverly

is the same skill but used especially for quick conversational replies
trenchant wit
vsrepartee
  • Formal
8.1

A quick, sharp kind of humor that criticizes ideas or people

is wider, meaning quick clever replies without needing strong critical tone
smartish remark
vsrepartee
6.0

A quick, clever comment that is slightly cheeky

is the general skill of fast witty responses rather than occasional cheeky comments

Antonyms

660 2.0

A period with no sound or speech

1 3.4

A feeling of low emotion and little interest

How Witty

zinger
  • Informal
19 8.1
repartee
9 8.3
remark
371 1.4
response
1.0

Surface Forms

repartee singular
repartees plural

Etymology

The word repartee comes from the French repartie, which meant 'a quick answer' and uses re- 'back' plus a part like English part. So imagine 'sending an answer back' fast, which is why repartee means a quick, clever reply.