to reply to, usually in a sharp or retaliatory way; reply in kind to.

to return (an accusation, epithet, etc.) upon the person uttering it.

to answer (an argument or the like) by another to the contrary.

a severe, incisive, or witty reply, esp. one that counters a first speaker's statement, argument, etc.

the act of retorting.

noun

question , request

verb

question , request

noun

antiphon , back answer , back talk , comeback , cooler , counter , crack * , gag * , jape , jest , joke , lip * , parting shot , quip , rejoinder , repartee , reply , reprisal , respond , response , retaliation , return , revenge , riposte , sally , snappy comeback * , topper , wisecrack , witticismnotes:rejoin implies a sharp answer , but retort suggests the addition of criticism or an explicit charge

verb

answer back , come back at , counter , crack * , rebut , rejoin , repay , reply , requite , respond , retaliate , return , riposte , sass * , shoot back , snap back , squelch * , talk back , top *notes:rejoin implies a sharp answer , but retort suggests the addition of criticism or an explicit charge , hit back , reciprocate , strike back , answer , comeback , crack , quip , repartee , reprisal , response