retort Synonyms
Another word for retort
• noun (Context 1)
A sharp, angry, or witty reply, especially one that turns the original speaker's words back upon them.
"She bit back a sharp riposte and calmly answered the panel's questions."
• verb (Context 2)
To say something in answer to a remark or accusation, typically in a sharp, angry, or witty manner.
""That is entirely beside the point," he retorted during the debate."
• noun (Context 3)
A spherical laboratory vessel with a long, downward-pointing neck used for distilling or decomposing substances by heat, or an industrial furnace chamber used for heating materials or sterilizing canned food.
"The chemist heated the compound in a glass alembic to collect the condensed vapor."
• verb (Context 4)
To repay or turn an insult, accusation, or argument back upon the person who originated it.
"The defense attorney was quick to return the accusation of negligence upon the plaintiff."
• verb (Context 5)
To heat, distill, or process a substance or sealed food container in a laboratory or industrial retort.
"The oil shale is retorted at high temperatures to extract liquid hydrocarbons."
Opposites of retort
The opposite of retort shifts depending on context. Common opposites include: