riposte
Say it: rih-POST /rɪˈpɒst/ · noun
What “riposte” means
A quick, clever reply to an insult or criticism.
Example: “Her riposte to the heckler got a bigger laugh than any of her prepared jokes.”
When to use it
Use it for a sharp comeback that answers a criticism neatly; it sounds more polished than simply saying comeback.
Memory trick
In fencing, a riposte is a quick counterattack after blocking an attack.
Similar words
retort, comeback, rejoinder
Where it comes from
From Italian risposta, 'response'; originally a fencer's quick counter-thrust.
Quick check
Someone calls your garden tiny. You immediately reply, “Yes, the weeds have nowhere to hide.” Your comeback is…
an apology or a riposte?
Show the answer
a riposte
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