riposte 1 of 2

noun

ri-ˈpōst How to pronounce riposte (audio)
Definition of ripostenext
as in retort
a quick witty response he's known for having a brilliant riposte to nearly any insult

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riposte

2 of 2

verb

as in to respond
to speak or write in reaction to a question or to another reaction at cocktail parties she could riposte with lightning speed to even the most unexpected quip

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of riposte
Noun
Inside, the house reads less as a monument to excess than a deft riposte to the cold minimalism of decades past. — Natalie Hoberman, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026 Meanwhile, on Wednesday evening, Carr posted a riposte to a commenter on X who took aim at the FCC chief. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
Some enemy attacks can only be dodged, while parrying others gives you the opportunity to riposte. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for riposte
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riposte
  1. retort
  2. respond
  3. reply
  4. answer
Noun
  • Her son is a carbon copy of his dad — looks like him and acts like him, particularly with his funny comments, comebacks and retorts.
    — Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Our minds generate sharp retorts or zingers that would eviscerate or humiliate them.
    — Dr. Joel M. Rothaizer, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of retort
Verb
  • His federal public defender did not respond to a request for comment.
    — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Defenders must respond to different types of aircraft while managing the cost and availability of defensive missiles.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of respond
Verb
  • Some organizations obsess over presence, but merely being online or replying fast doesn’t move the needle.
    — Volen Vulkov, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Bell replied in his usual jovial manner, agreeing to the reproduction of his photo in the forthcoming article.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of reply
Verb
  • Golden State answered with a three-pointer by Veronica Burton to briefly silence them.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Young protestors answered with an insurrectionary energy in the summer and soon found support from a broader coalition comprised of opposition parties, social movements and other pillars of Indian civil society.
    — Asim Ali, Time, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of answer

Browse Nearby Words

rip-offs
riposte
riposted
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Cite this Entry

“Riposte.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riposte. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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