riposte: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, literary
Quick answer
What does “riposte” mean?
A quick, clever reply or retort, especially one made in retaliation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A quick, clever reply or retort, especially one made in retaliation.
A quick return thrust following a parry in fencing; any swift retaliatory action or response.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or meaning differences. More commonly used in British literary and journalistic contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, it implies sophistication and wit. May sound slightly more erudite in American English.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but marginally higher in British English due to fencing tradition and its use in parliamentary/political reporting.
Grammar
How to Use “riposte” in a Sentence
Verb: riposte (that) + clauseVerb: riposte to NVerb: riposte with NNoun: riposte to NVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “riposte” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He riposted that the criticism was hypocritical.
- 'You're one to talk,' she riposted sharply.
American English
- The senator riposted with a list of his opponent's flip-flops.
- He riposted immediately to the insult.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. 'The CEO's riposte to the hostile bid was to announce record quarterly profits.'
Academic
Used in literary criticism, political science, and historical analysis of debates.
Everyday
Very rare. Mostly used by highly educated speakers discussing arguments or debates.
Technical
Core term in fencing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “riposte”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “riposte”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “riposte”
- Using it for any reply, not a retaliatory one. Misspelling as 'reposte' or 'ripost'. Incorrect stress on first syllable.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While most common for verbal retorts, it originates from fencing (a return thrust) and can metaphorically describe any swift retaliatory action (e.g., a military or business move).
Both mean a sharp reply. 'Riposte' specifically implies it comes *after* an attack or provocation and often carries a more formal, witty, or skillful connotation, like a fencer's move. 'Retort' is more general.
Yes. It is less common than the noun form but is perfectly correct (e.g., 'He riposted brilliantly').
No. It is a mid-to-high level vocabulary word, typical of C1/C2 proficiency. It is more common in written English (news, literature) than in casual speech.
A quick, clever reply or retort, especially one made in retaliation.
Riposte is usually formal, literary in register.
Riposte: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈpɒst/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈpoʊst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “parry and riposte”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RIPOste = RIPoste (like 'rip' into someone) + POST (after). You POST a sharp reply AFTER someone 'rips' into you.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARGUMENT IS WAR / CONVERSATION IS FENCING.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'riposte' LEAST likely to be used correctly?