to retort

Examples

• All

• The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services retorted that most delays were the fault of the NHS.

  Academic text (2011)

• "Then my wife is poor white trash," retorted another committee member.

  Academic text (2007)

• Then you retort with a positive mental attitude.

  Wrath of Man (2021)

• Oh, well, allow me to retort.

  Pulp Fiction (1994)

• "Save it for the paying customers," she retorted, but a hint of a smile touched her face.

  Fiction book (1992)

• To my fuzzy question, "What are the youth doing today?" he retorted immediately, "They are all leaving!"

  Academic text (1990)

• The free-market liberals, of course, retort that such a system will overwhelm the economy and stop change.

  Academic text (1990)

• "I don't disagree, Mrs. Hobson," Mr. Johnson retorted, "but the economic facts still remain."

  Fiction book (1993)

• "Are you always so filled with anger?" Drizzt retorted, and his accusing words calmed Catti-brie immediately.

  Fiction book (1992)

• "Get yerself to Settlestone, then," Catti-brie retorted, poking a finger into Wulfgar's massive chest.

  Fiction book (1992)

Synonyms

A

to answer

vsto retort

∞ 1.0

To reply to a question or request

is a brief sharp verbal reply often with wit or anger

R

to respond

vsto retort

∞ 1.0

To say or do something as an answer to what someone says

is quicker and sharper often showing wit or anger

C

to come back

vsto retort

• Informal

67 4.1

To reply quickly and strongly to a remark

is similar but used for wider quick reactive replies

T

to talk back

vsto retort

• Informal

46 5.4

Reply rudely to someone in charge like a teacher or boss

is a quick sharp answer rather than just rude to authority

S

to shot back

vsto retort

• Informal

18 4.8

To answer quickly in a sharp, angry way

is quick and can be witty as well as angry

S

to sass

vsto retort

• Informal

16 8.4

Answer a person in charge in a rude, cheeky way

is quicker and sharper and can be witty rather than cheeky

R

to rejoin

vsto retort

3 6.4

Answer a remark quickly in a clever or sharp way

is the general quick sharp reply not always witty

R

to roar back

vsto retort

1 6.9

To reply loudly and angrily to someone who insults you

is usually quicker and sharper not always loud or aggressive

R

to riposte

vsto retort

1 9.0

To reply quickly and sharply in speech or as a counterattack

is used more for quick verbal wit rather than physical counterattack

How Sharp

to retort

19 6.4

to respond

∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

Etymology