rejoinder

[ ri-join-der ]

noun

1. an answer to a reply; response.

   Synonyms: riposte, reply

2. Law. a defendant's answer to a plaintiff's replication.

rejoinder

/ rɪˈdʒɔɪndə /

noun

1. a reply or response to a question or remark, esp a quick witty one; retort
2. law (in pleading) the answer made by a defendant to the claimant's reply

Other Words From

• nonre·joinder noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of rejoinder¹

1475–85; < Middle French rejoindre (noun use of infinitive); rejoin ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of rejoinder¹

C15: from Old French rejoindre to rejoin ²

Synonym Study

See answer.

Example Sentences

In a perfect world, its success will be rejoinder enough.

From Los Angeles Times

Quayle’s stricken look — a rictus of shock and humiliation — spoke to the devastation of the rejoinder after which, it’s fair to say, his callow image never fully faded.

From Los Angeles Times

And as Harris made clear with an admirable range of facial expressions and come-to-Jesus rejoinders, they should not be considered normal now.

From Los Angeles Times

Last week’s Democratic National Committee rejoinder was that we will not only keep our republic, we’ll eventually fulfill its promise.

From Salon

This was a clear, joyful and direct rejoinder to the darkness and cruelty that drives the Republicans and their nominees.

From Salon

Related Words

• rebuttal
• repartee
• retort