verb

retort

/rɪˈtɔːrt/ · say it: rih·TORT

a sharp, witty reply

In Debate & Persuasion

In more detail

1. (verb) to reply to someone in an angry or sharp way

2. (noun) a sharp or angry reply

3. (noun) a container used in chemistry or industry to heat substances

Examples

1. She retorted that he was wrong.
2. His retort was so cutting that everyone fell silent.
3. The chemist poured the liquid into a glass retort.

How to use retort

As a verb, retort means to respond with sharpness or anger, often implying wit or clever wordplay. As a noun, it refers to either the sharp reply itself or a specialized flask-shaped vessel used in heating and distillation. The verb is common in narrative writing and dialogue; the chemical apparatus meaning is technical and domain-specific.

Common phrases

retort sharply
quick retort
cutting retort
retort angrily
witty retort

Synonyms

reply sharply · snap back · counter · riposte · respond curtly

Opposites

stay silent · ignore

Word family

retorter (noun, one who retorts)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse retort with report or resort, or use it to mean any quick reply when it specifically implies sharpness or anger in the response.

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