What is another word for retorts?

Pronunciation: [ɹɪtˈɔːts] (IPA)

The word "retorts" refers to a response or answer that is given in a sharp or witty manner. Synonyms for retorts include comebacks, rejoinders, quips, repartees, wisecracks, jibes, sarcasm, and ripostes. A comeback is a quick response that is often humorous or clever. A rejoinder is a reply to a remark or accusation. Quips are witty remarks that are often used to alleviate tension in a conversation. Repartees are quick, witty replies that are used to keep a conversation interesting. Wisecracks are clever and humorous remarks that are often used to gain a laugh. Jibes are remarks that are meant to cause offense to the person they are directed at. Sarcasm is the use of irony to mock or convey contempt towards something. And a riposte is a quick response or counter-attack.

What are the hypernyms for Retorts?

A hypernym is a word with a broad meaning that encompasses more specific words called hyponyms.

Usage examples for Retorts

He framed some keen retorts, to the general effect that with the atmosphere of illusion preserved so completely at home, Miss Vance hardly needed it in her art studies.
"A Hazard of New Fortunes, Part Fifth"
William Dean Howells
As well ask, retorts Defoe, what it matters to us who is King of Ireland.
"Daniel Defoe"
William Minto
Whether Defoe obtained at Newington the rudiments of all the learning which he afterwards claimed to be possessed of, we do not know; but the taunt frequently levelled at him by University men of being an "illiterate fellow" and no scholar, was one that he bitterly resented, and that drew from him many protestations and retorts.
"Daniel Defoe"
William Minto

Famous quotes with Retorts

  • Surely the cosmic irony that loves men's dullness because it alone can preserve them from madness, and retorts upon the cosmic terrors with a jest, is higher than gallantry and more enduring.
    James Branch Cabell
  • Today, for the mass of humanity, science and technology embody 'miracle, mystery, and authority'. Science promises that the most ancient human fantasies will at last be realized. Sickness and ageing will be abolished; scarcity and poverty will be no more; the species will become immortal. Like Christianity in the past, the modern cult of science lives on the hope of miracles. But to think that science can transform the human lot is to believe in magic. Time retorts to the illusions of humanism with the reality: frail, deranged, undelivered humanity. Even as it enables poverty to be diminished and sickness to be alleviated, science will be used to refine tyranny and perfect the art of war.
    John Gray (philosopher)
  • Tjaden reappears. He is still quite excited and again joins the conversation, wondering just how a war gets started. 'Mostly by one country badly offending another,' answers Albert with a slight air of superiority. Then Tjaden pretends to be obtuse. 'A country? I don't follow. A mountain in Germany cannot offend a mountain in France. Or a river, or a wood, or a field of wheat.' 'Are you really as stupid as that, or are you just pulling my leg?' growls Kropp. 'I don't mean that at all. One people offends the other---' 'Then I haven't any business here at all,' replies Tjaden, 'I don't feel myself offended.' 'Well, let me tell you,' says Albert sourly,' it doesn't apply to tramps like you.' 'Then I can be going home right away,' retorts Tjaden, and we all laugh.
    Erich Maria Remarque

Related words: funny retorts, quick retorts, quick comebacks, witty retorts, comebacks, great retorts, best retorts, short retorts, smart retorts

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