retort
9 synonyms for retort, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A sharp, witty, or cutting reply, especially one that turns an insult back on the person who made it.
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 sharp, witty, or cutting reply, especially one that turns an insult back on the person who made it.
“Her retort left him speechless.”
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.
