retaliate
verb (used without object)
to return like for like, especially evil for evil.
were retaliating
-
past progressiveof retaliate.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
The Wall Street Journal has reported that the hackers behind the attack said they were retaliating against the U.S. on Iran’s behalf.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 30, 2026
She alleged that all the Laredo officials involved in her arrest had violated her First Amendment rights and were retaliating against her over her earlier reporting.
From Slate ● Mar. 26, 2026
On Friday, a United Nations report warned of the "increasing ethnicisation of the conflict," saying both sides were retaliating against people accused of collaborating with opposing parties.
From BBC ● Sep. 19, 2025
Poche alleged the production companies were retaliating against her for speaking about the working conditions she endured.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 17, 2025
They could not even pretend that they were retaliating, for the Americans invariably treated their prisoners with kindness, and as though they were fellow men.
From American Prisoners of the Revolution by Danske Dandridge
