Noun

• S: (n) rejoinder, retort, return, riposte, replication, comeback, counter (a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one)) "it brought a sharp rejoinder from the teacher"
• S: (n) riposte ((fencing) a counterattack made immediately after successfully parrying the opponents lunge)

Verb

• S: (v) riposte (make a return thrust) "his opponent riposted"
• S: (v) retort, come back, repay, return, riposte, rejoin (answer back)
• direct hypernym / inherited hypernym / sister term
• S: (v) answer, reply, respond (react verbally) "She didn't want to answer"; "answer the question"; "We answered that we would accept the invitation"
• S: (v) call back (return or repeat a telephone call) "I am busy right now--can you call back in an hour?"; "She left a message but the contractor never called back"
• S: (v) counter (speak in response) "He countered with some very persuasive arguments"
• S: (v) field (answer adequately or successfully) "The lawyer fielded all questions from the press"
• S: (v) sass (answer back in an impudent or insolent manner) "don't sass me!"; "The teacher punished the students who were sassing all morning"
• S: (v) retort, come back, repay, return, riposte, rejoin (answer back)
• S: (v) bridle (respond to the reins, as of horses)
• derivationally related form
• sentence frame