parry
14 synonyms for parry, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To block or deflect a blow, attack, or difficult question.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To block or deflect a blow, attack, or difficult question.
“The fencer parried the attack and countered instantly.”
2. noun
A move that blocks or deflects an attack.
“His quick parry saved him from a serious hit.”
counterpunch
counter
How to use parry
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
parry a question
parry a blow
parry and thrust
Etymology
From French parer, "to fend off," from Latin parare, "to prepare, ward off."
Full origin of parry →Frequently asked questions
What does “parry” mean?
The word “parry” means to block or deflect a blow, attack, or difficult question. In plain terms, to fend off an attack — with a weapon in fencing, or with a clever answer in an argument.
How do you pronounce “parry”?
“Parry” is pronounced PAR-ee (/ˈpæɹ.i/ in IPA).
How do you use “parry” in a sentence?
Here is “parry” used in a sentence: “His quick parry saved him from a serious hit.”
What is another word for “parry”?
Words with a similar meaning to “parry” include parade.
What part of speech is “parry”?
Depending on how it is used, “parry” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “parry” come from?
The word “parry” comes from Latin. From French parer, "to fend off," from Latin parare, "to prepare, ward off.".
Is “parry” a common word?
“Parry” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “parry” have?
“Parry” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to block or deflect a blow, attack, or difficult question.
