riposte

or ri·post

[ ri-pohst ]

noun

1. a quick, sharp return in speech or action; counterstroke:

   a brilliant riposte to an insult.

2. Fencing. a quick thrust given after parrying a lunge.

verb (used without object)

, ri·post·ed, ri·post·ing.

1. to make a riposte.
2. to reply or retaliate.

riposte

/ rɪˈpəʊst; rɪˈpɒst /

noun

1. a swift sharp reply in speech or action
2. fencing a counterattack made immediately after a successful parry

verb

1. intr to make a riposte

Word History and Origins

Origin of riposte¹

First recorded in 1700–10; from French, variant of risposte “prompt answer,” from Italian risposta, noun use of feminine past participle of rispondere “to answer,” from Vulgar Latin respondere (unrecorded) for Latin respondēre; respond

Word History and Origins

Origin of riposte¹

C18: from French, from Italian risposta , from rispondere to reply, respond

Example Sentences

If Violet Crawley seasoned her ripostes with a sense of knowing that comes from having broken a few rules herself – confirmed in the second “Downton” movie, by the way – that explained her charm.

From Salon

It is body language and facial expressions and sharp ripostes.

From BBC

He was referring to a similar riposte she made in a 2020 vice-presidential debate against Mike Pence.

From BBC

And just weeks ago - illustrating that the riposte was more than a one-off - Ms Harris used the same line on Gaza protesters who interrupted her rally in Detroit.

From BBC

As high prices at grocery stores, gas pumps and pharmacies have soured many voters on his first term, President Biden has developed a populist riposte: Blame big corporations for inflation, not me.

From New York Times