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retaliate Synonyms

Another word for retaliate

Choosing another word for retaliate depends on context, so the 10 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• verb (Context 1)

To respond to an injury, insult, or hostile action by returning a similar act; to take revenge or counterattack.

Usage Example

"The trading bloc threatened to hit back with higher tariffs if the new import restrictions were enacted."

Strongest
hit back
strike back
fight back
Strong
counterattack
get even
reciprocate

• verb (Context 2)

To return an insult, wrong, or injury in kind upon someone (used transitively).

Usage Example

"Rather than repay the slight, the diplomat chose to address the underlying disagreement calmly."

Strong
repay
requite
avenge
pay back

Opposites of retaliate

The opposite of retaliate shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

forgive
pardon
condone
overlook
See all opposites of retaliate

• Nearby Words

retainer
retake
retaker
retaliate
retaliation
retaliatory
retama

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Retaliate. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/retaliate
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