retort
Say it: rih-TORT /rɪˈtɔːt/ · verb
What “retort” means
Reply sharply, often because you're annoyed.
More precisely: To reply sharply, angrily or wittily.
Example: “'At least I have a plan,' she retorted, when he called her idea risky.”
When to use it
Use it when someone answers a remark sharply or angrily, sometimes with wit; it often appears in dialogue.
Similar words
snap back, riposte, counter
Where it comes from
From Latin retorquere, 'to twist back'.
Quick check
Your brother calls you lazy. You snap back, “I did your washing yesterday!” What do you do?
retort or concede?
Show the answer
retort
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