Meaning

A sharp or witty reply, or one which turns an argument against its originator; a comeback..

Definitions by Sense

1. A sharp or witty reply, or one which turns an argument against its originator; a comeback.
2. To say something sharp or witty in answer to a remark or accusation.
3. To make a remark which reverses an argument upon its originator; to return, as an argument, accusation, censure, or incivility.
4. To bend or curve back.
5. To throw back; to reverberate; to reflect.
6. (chemistry) A flask with a rounded base and a long neck that is bent down and tapered, used to heat a liquid for distillation.
7. An airtight vessel in which material is subjected to high temperatures in the chemical industry or as part of an industrial manufacturing process, especially during the smelting and forging of metal.
8. A pressure cooker.

Example Sentences

He countered her insult with a clever retort.

“It is a pity,” he retorted with aggravating meekness, “that they do not use a little common sense. The case resembles that of Columbus' egg, and is every bit as simple.[…]”

to retort the charge of vanity

And with retorted scorn his back he turned.

a retorted line

With retorted head, pruned themselves as they floated.

As when his virtues, shining upon others, / Heat them and they retort that heat again / To the first giver.

Glasses were filled, arresting the trooper on a theme of passion; the pariahdom of the country cop, whose self-respect is to retort the law's blackmail for blackmail levied on his self-respect.

Word Forms

• retorts
• retorting
• retorted

Synonyms for retort

Related Words

When Should You Use Retort?

Use retort when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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