no retort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "no retort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that there is no response or reply to a statement or argument, often implying that the statement stands unchallenged. Example: "After his bold claim, there was a moment of silence, and she had no retort to offer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

He is capable of "brooking no retort" while holding up his end of a conversation.

The New York Times - Books

The President, having apparently given up on Keynesian pump-priming, has no retort except to invest for the long term.

University of California, Berkeley

He had no retort for how the Steelers (7-8), ravaged by injuries but still loaded with talent, missed the playoffs.

The New York Times - Sports

There is no retort and she realizes, much to her joy, that she, a writer's wife, has gotten the last word in.

The New Yorker

Naturally, in the scene where Dick is - as tradition dictates - framed for stealing, a small, clear voice floated into the momentary silence: "Look in his bag!" Lord Fitzwarren answered with a determinedly hearty, "It's 20 minutes before we get to that bit," but we all knew there was no retort.

The Guardian

And that's the point: there is no retort.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"No," retorted Milos Vojinovic, a 26-year-old state employee.

The New York Times

No! retorted the less venerable beard - twisting the argument in a manner Shakespeare's Mark Anthony would have been proud -  "[It's the politicians] that are apathetic to our needs: they're only interested in servicing the needs of corporations!" Brand the soap-boxer had it all: swagger, charm and even flattery for his opponent.

Independent

"No, no," retorts Sam, Nathan Drake's brother and Uncharted series newcomer.

Vice

"No", we retort wearily, "you see, straight people get to be proud everyday whereas yesterday someone specifically stopped their car to shout 'fucking lesbian' at me for daring to walk by their car being a lesbian".

The Guardian - Opinion

"No," Eddington retorted.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "no retort" to emphasize a situation where a response is notably absent, particularly when a response might be expected or considered necessary. This can highlight the strength of an argument or the speaker's dominance.

Common error

Avoid using "no retort" in extremely formal or technical writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound slightly informal. Opt for alternatives like "no response" or "no rebuttal" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "no retort" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb (e.g., "He had no retort") or following a preposition. It indicates the absence of a reply or a response.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "no retort" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that means there is no response or reply to a statement or argument, often implying that the statement stands unchallenged. According to Ludwig, the phrase is most commonly found in "News & Media", and its register is considered neutral. When writing, it's best to use "no retort" to highlight a situation where a response is notably absent and use alternatives like "no response" or "no rebuttal" in more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

no answer

Directly states that there is no answer or reply available.

without response

Indicates the absence of any reply or reaction.

without reply

Similar to "without response", emphasizing the lack of a written or verbal reply.

no comeback

Suggests the inability to provide a witty or effective response, often in a debate or argument.

without a word

Emphasizes the complete absence of any verbal communication.

no rebuttal

Specifies the absence of a formal counter-argument or refutation.

nothing to say

Indicates a complete absence of anything to add or respond with.

speechless

Highlights the inability to speak due to surprise, shock, or being overwhelmed.

at a loss for words

Expresses the state of not knowing what to say, often due to strong emotion or unexpected circumstances.

silence

Implies a lack of response through the absence of sound or communication.

FAQs

How can I use "no retort" in a sentence?

You can use "no retort" to indicate that someone was unable to respond to a statement or challenge, implying they were either unable to think of a reply or that the statement was unanswerable. For example, "After his accusations, she had "no retort".

What are some alternatives to saying "no retort"?

Alternatives include "no response", "no answer", "no comeback", or "without reply", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "no retort" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "no retort" may sound somewhat informal in very formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "no rebuttal" or "no response" in those situations.

What does "no retort" imply about the situation?

"No retort" often implies that the statement or challenge was particularly strong or irrefutable, leaving the other party without a valid or effective response.