riposte

USAGE SUMMARY

'riposte' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a noun that means "a quick, witty reply to a remark or question, especially one made in response to an insult." For example, "Her riposte to his comment was withering and full of scorn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When Jane Grigson did her delightful last series Slow Down, Fast Food, we photographed a gigantic hamburger with an implausible bite taken out of it, our tasteful riposte to the cigarette-stubbed-out-in-the-fried-egg school of lurid food photography.

The Guardian

Some protesters also waved yellow bananas, a riposte to pro-Beijing counter-protesters who, from the demonstration's sidelines and in pro-mainland local media, have accused them of being "fake Chinese" fomented by "foreign forces".

The Guardian

His central contention – that the recovery is not reaching enough people and is not matched by a general improvement in quality of life – is a powerful riposte to the principal Tory claims regarding the economy, competence and unfinished business.

The Guardian - Opinion

The outbreak was a conclusive riposte to anyone who still believed that infectious diseases were history, or that they were restricted to improverished or conflict-torn countries.

The Guardian

He was already a Nobel laureate, probably the best riposte to the critics.

The Guardian - Books

The Oscars showered on Mendes's stylish and exhilarating film are none the less a heartening riposte to dumbing-down and juvenilisation in commercial American cinema.

The Guardian

Dale is also the official leader of Voices for Women, and of mums4justice, which was registered as a political party in December 2006 – six months after Mums' Army – and is Take a Break's righteous riposte to Fathers4Justice, with a platform demanding that divorced dads pay their child support, tell the truth about their circumstances and stick to their agreed visiting arrangements.

The Guardian

Here is another handbook (very much inspired by the Sloane Ranger trailblazer) and not just a neat riposte to the rise of loadsamoney flashdom, but an underlining that the nouveaux riches simply didn't have class, didn't have style, while the broke aristocrats effortlessly gloried in both, and made their straitened circumstances almost rather enviable.

The Guardian - Books

But her comments angered America's closest ally in the region, Israel, and drew an immediate riposte from minister of intelligence and atomic energy, Dan Meridor.

The Guardian

Though as Clint himself wasn't exactly shy in his gentle riposte to some Toronto attention last week, that issue may be moot during this game.

The Guardian - Sport

The most famous riposte in US political debates was Lloyd Bentsen's to Dan Quayle: "Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "riposte" when you want to convey a sense of swiftness and cleverness in a response, especially in situations involving debate or conflict.

Common error

Avoid using "riposte" in neutral or informal settings where a simple answer would suffice. It's best suited for situations that call for a sharp, witty, or defensive reply.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "riposte" is as a noun, denoting a quick and witty response. It can also function as a verb, meaning to make such a response. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "riposte" is a versatile term, primarily used as a noun to describe a quick, witty reply, especially in response to an insult or attack. It can also function as a verb. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and common, particularly in news and media contexts. While it conveys a sense of cleverness and speed, it's essential to use it appropriately, avoiding overuse in neutral settings. Related phrases include "witty rejoinder" and "sharp retort". Overall, "riposte" is a valuable addition to one's vocabulary, adding sophistication to communication when used judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

witty rejoinder

Replaces "riposte" with a more descriptive term highlighting the cleverness of the reply.

sharp retort

Emphasizes the pointed and incisive nature of the response, similar to a "riposte".

clever comeback

Indicates a return to a previous point, adding a layer of quick-wittedness.

incisive reply

Highlights the clarity and effectiveness of the answer.

quick rejoinder

Focuses on the speed and aptness of the response.

immediate answer

Stresses the promptness of the reply.

swift response

Highlights the speed at which the reply was made.

instantaneous reaction

Emphasizes the immediacy and spontaneity of the reply.

ready answer

Suggests that the reply was prepared or easily available.

spirited reply

Highlights the boldness and enthusiasm in the response.

FAQs

How can I use "riposte" in a sentence?

You can use "riposte" to describe a quick and witty reply. For example, "Her "riposte" to his insult was both clever and cutting."

What's the difference between "riposte" and "retort"?

"Riposte" and "retort" both mean a quick reply, but "riposte" often implies a more skillful or strategic response, especially in an argument or debate, while "retort" can simply be a sharp or angry reply.

What can I say instead of "riposte"?

You can use alternatives like "witty rejoinder", "sharp retort", or "clever comeback" depending on the context.

Is "riposte" formal or informal?

"Riposte" is generally considered a more formal term, suitable for use in professional writing, news articles, or academic discussions. It is less common in everyday, informal conversation.