Definition

1. Noun:

   • (Fencing): A quick return thrust made immediately after successfully parrying an opponent's lunge.
   • A quick, clever, or sharp reply to a question or remark, especially a witty or critical one.

2. Verb:

   • To make a quick, clever, or sharp reply.
   • (Fencing): To make a return thrust immediately after parrying.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The fencer's swift riposte scored the winning point.
  • Her clever riposte to the insult left everyone laughing.

• Verb:

  • When criticized, he always knows how to riposte with humor.
  • The swordsman parried the attack and riposted in one fluid motion.

Advanced Usage

• "to deliver a riposte": To give a quick, sharp reply.
  • The politician delivered a stinging riposte to the journalist's question.
• "a riposte to": A reply or action that serves as a response to something.
  • The new policy was seen as a direct riposte to the competitor's strategy.

Variants and Related Words

• Retort (n/v): A sharp, angry, or witty reply. (A close synonym, but often implies more anger or sarcasm than ).
• Rejoinder (n): A reply, especially a sharp or witty one. (Very similar in meaning to the verbal sense of ).
• Counterattack (n/v): An attack made in response to an attack. (A broader term that applies to the fencing sense and metaphorical uses).

Synonyms

• Comeback (n): A quick reply, especially to a criticism.
• Repartee (n): Conversation or speech characterized by quick, witty comments or replies.
• Return (n): The act of responding, especially in fencing or debate.

Related Phrases

• Parry and riposte: A common sequence in fencing and metaphorical argument, meaning to deflect an attack and immediately counter it.
  • The debate was a masterclass in how to parry and riposte.

Noun

1. (fencing) a counterattack made immediately after successfully parrying the opponents lunge
2. a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one)
   • it brought a sharp rejoinder from the teacher

Verb

1. answer back
2. make a return thrust
   • his opponent riposted