retorted
Definition
- Verb (past tense of ):
- To answer quickly and sharply: "retorted" means to reply in a witty, angry, or immediate manner, often as a rebuttal or comeback.
Usage Examples
- (She answered sharply and defensively.)
- (He responded quickly and mockingly.)
- (He replied angrily and decisively.)
Advanced Usage
- "Retorted that": used to introduce the exact words of the sharp reply.
- She retorted that she had never been so insulted in her life. (She answered with indignation, stating her feelings.)
- "Retorted in kind": to respond with a similar tone or action.
- When he teased her, she retorted in kind, making everyone laugh. (She responded with equal teasing.)
Variants and Related Words
- Retort (verb, present tense): to answer quickly and sharply.
- He tends to retort whenever he feels attacked. (He responds sharply.)
- Retort (noun): a sharp or witty reply.
- Her retort left him speechless. (Her quick reply silenced him.)
- Retorting (present participle): the act of answering sharply.
- She was retorting to every question with a clever remark. (She was giving sharp answers.)
Synonyms
- Replied sharply: answered in a cutting or harsh manner.
- Snapped: said something quickly and angrily.
- Answered back: responded in a defiant or cheeky way.
Phrasal Verbs
- None directly associated with "retorted"; however, "shot back" is a related phrasal verb meaning to reply quickly and sharply.
- "That's not true!" he shot back. (He retorted angrily.)
Related Idioms
- Give as good as you get: to respond with equal force or wit.
- She gave as good as she got in the argument, retorting to every insult. (She responded sharply to each attack.)
- Have the last word: to make the final remark in a disagreement.
- He always has to retort and have the last word. (He insists on ending the conversation with a sharp reply.)