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retort

0 antonyms and opposites of retort, grouped by meaning.

Noun — A sharp, witty, or cutting reply, especially one that turns an insult back on the person who made it.

How to use retort

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

a witty retort retort sharply a glass retort

Etymology

From Latin retorquere, "to twist back" — the flask was named for its bent neck.

Full origin of retort →

Frequently asked questions

What does “retort” mean?

The word “retort” means a sharp, witty, or cutting reply, especially one that turns an insult back on the person who made it. In plain terms, a sharp comeback in speech, or a special flask/vessel used for heating things in chemistry and industry.

How do you pronounce “retort”?

“Retort” is pronounced rih-TAWT (/ɹɪˈtɔɹt/ in IPA).

How do you use “retort” in a sentence?

Here is “retort” used in a sentence: “Her retort left him speechless.”

What part of speech is “retort”?

Depending on how it is used, “retort” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “retort” come from?

The word “retort” comes from Latin. From Latin retorquere, "to twist back" — the flask was named for its bent neck.

How many meanings does “retort” have?

“Retort” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sharp, witty, or cutting reply, especially one that turns an insult back on the person who made it.

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Synonyms and antonyms from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA.