riposte

American  

[ri-pohst] / rɪˈpoʊst /

Or ripost

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.

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verb (used without object)

riposted, riposting

1. to make a riposte.

2. to reply or retaliate.

riposte British  

/ rɪˈpəʊst, rɪˈpɒst /

noun

1. a swift sharp reply in speech or action

2. fencing a counterattack made immediately after a successful parry

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verb

1. (intr) to make a riposte

Etymology

Origin of riposte

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

Explanation

A riposte is a clever comeback or witty response. Many people can only think of the perfect riposte after the conversation has already moved on, when it's too late to say it! Winston Churchill was famous for his skill with a riposte, like when his friend Lady Astor said that if he were her husband, she'd poison his tea, and he responded, "If you were my wife, I'd drink it!" This kind of quick, funny retort is a classic riposte. Originally, the word riposte came from a French word for a certain kind of lunge in fencing, and it still has this same meaning today.

Example Sentences

Damodaran wrote a riposte to the Citrini Research paper published last week that was the subject of much scrutiny and controversy.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 5, 2026

Bellingham found the net late in the rout of Monaco and celebrated by chugging imaginary drinks, which was an apparent riposte to claims he has been enjoying Spanish nightlife.

From Barron's • Jan. 20, 2026

At a grassroots level, inspired by the reclamation of queer by the gay rights movement, B***h Magazine launched in 1996 in Portland, Oregon, as a feminist riposte to demeaning stereotypes.

From Salon • Mar. 23, 2025

Night Temple is one small riposte to all that, from local artists no longer miserably waiting for the tides to turn.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2025

Vivi looks immensely pleased with herself for that particular riposte.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black