ISEE/SSAT Vocabulary BuilderWordsRretort
ISEE/SSATeasy
retort
Meaning: a quick reply that often sounds annoyed
retort in a sentence
How retort is used in real sentences:
Her sharp retort showed that she disliked the teasing comment.
When told that her model would never work, Ava answered with a confident retort.
“Ortiz’s retort came quickly: “Excitement is no help if the ink fades.” Her sharp answer quieted the room, but Bell eased the tension with a quip: “At least nobody has asked the paintings what they prefer.” The group laughed, then approved a warmer design with adjustable bulbs.”
— from the passage The Light Between Paintings
Synonyms for retort
Other words for retort — reply, comeback and response — carry the same meaning.
- reply
- comeback
- response
Antonyms of retort
Words that mean the opposite of retort:
- silence
- no reply
Where it comes from
From Latin retorquere 'to twist back'
Memory hook
A retort is a reply tossed quickly back.