quip
12 synonyms for quip, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A short, clever, often slightly cutting remark made quickly in conversation.
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. noun
A short, clever, often slightly cutting remark made quickly in conversation.
“She deflected the question with a quip about her age.”
How to use quip
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a dry quip
fire off a quip
quipped that
ready with a quip
Neutral; common in journalism and fiction.
Etymology
Of uncertain origin; often linked to Latin quippe 'indeed, to be sure', used sarcastically. The connection is plausible but not settled.
Full origin of quip →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a quip and a joke?
A joke is a standalone piece of humour that can be repeated to anyone; a quip is tied to the moment, responding to what was just said. Quips are short, spontaneous and often faintly barbed, whereas a joke can be long and entirely good-natured.
Is "quipped" a good word to use in dialogue writing?
Use it sparingly. It tells the reader the line was witty instead of letting the line be witty, and editors flag overuse of said-substitutes. Reserve it for remarks that genuinely land as quick and clever.
What is the difference between a quip and a retort?
A retort is a sharp reply, witty or not, and is always answering someone. A quip is defined by its wit and can be offered unprompted, as a light aside on a situation.
