retaliate
verb (used without object)
to return like for like, especially evil for evil.
retaliates
-
present tense formof retaliate (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
As Iran retaliates against its oil-rich Gulf Arab neighbours, the benchmark price for a barrel of crude soared beyond $100 for the first time since Russia's invasion of Ukraine four years ago.
From Barron's ● Mar. 8, 2026
If Europe retaliates with levies on U.S. goods, manufacturers who export across the Atlantic could be hit.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 20, 2026
Analysts have told the BBC that energy traders will now be watching to see whether Iran retaliates in the coming days.
From BBC ● Jun. 12, 2025
Yet at every turn, Deborah finds some excuse to backstab Ava, allegedly out of some version of respect, and Ava retaliates by sabotaging herself and her boss.
From Salon ● Apr. 10, 2025
“You don’t answer very many of them,” Bailey retaliates.
From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern
