retaliate
verb (used without object)
to return like for like, especially evil for evil.
retaliated
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past participleof retaliate.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof retaliate.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
retaliateverb (used without object)to return like for like, especially evil for evil.
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.
Grande’s stanbase quickly retaliated, saying that those commenting on her weight were bringing back body-shaming and tabloid-era hypercriticism.
From Salon ● Aug. 8, 2026
Oil prices continued to rise after the U.S. retaliated against surprise Iranian attacks earlier this week, further knocking hopes of a near-term reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 30, 2026
As a result of that policy, the lawsuit alleges, the department has recorded and retaliated against three women, located in Minnesota, South Carolina and California.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 24, 2026
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps said it retaliated by targeting U.S. military sites in Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 17, 2026
Just before the sail came down, a squall hit Rena, and she retaliated by whipping her boom savagely across the hull.
From "Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey
