Definition

Noun: 1. A quick, often witty or sharp, reply to a question or remark: A rejoinder is a response, typically immediate and clever, made in conversation or debate. 2. A formal reply in a legal context: In law, a rejoinder is a defendant's pleading in response to the plaintiff's replication.

Examples of Usage

• General Usage (Witty/Critical Reply):
  • His sarcastic comment was met with a clever rejoinder from his colleague.
  • She always has a sharp rejoinder ready in an argument.
• Legal Usage:
  • The defense attorney filed a rejoinder to the plaintiff's latest pleading.
  • The court awaited the defendant's formal rejoinder.

Advanced Usage

• "To have a ready rejoinder": To be prepared with a quick, clever answer.
  • As a seasoned debater, she always had a ready rejoinder for any point raised.
• "To provoke a rejoinder": To cause or elicit a sharp reply.
  • His provocative statement was sure to provoke a heated rejoinder.

Variants and Related Words

• Rejoin (verb): To say something in answer to a remark, typically in a sharp or witty way.
  • "That's not what I meant at all," he rejoined.

Synonyms

• Retort: A sharp, witty, or angry reply.
• Riposte: A quick, clever reply to an insult or criticism.
• Comeback: An informal term for a quick reply, especially one that turns the tables.
• Response: A more general term for an answer or reply.

Antonyms

• Question
• Inquiry
• Silence (as a lack of reply)

Noun

1. (law) a pleading made by a defendant in response to the plaintiff's replication
2. a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one)
   • it brought a sharp rejoinder from the teacher