Retort

Quick meaning: Retort is a noun meaning A sharp or witty reply, or one which turns an argument against its originator; a comeback.

Meaning

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

More Meanings

1. To say something sharp or witty in answer to a remark or accusation.
2. To make a remark which reverses an argument upon its originator; to return, as an argument, accusation, censure, or incivility.
3. To bend or curve back.
4. To throw back; to reverberate; to reflect.
5. (chemistry) A flask with a rounded base and a long neck that is bent down and tapered, used to heat a liquid for distillation.
6. A pressure cooker.
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.

Example Sentences

a retorted line

to retort the charge of vanity

And with retorted scorn his back he turned.

He countered her insult with a clever retort.

Word Forms

• retorts
• retorting
• retorted

Synonyms for retort

Depending on context, synonyms include comeback, rejoinder, riposte, return, rejoin, repay.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include return, comeback, rejoin, repay, rejoinder, riposte.

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