sharp rejoinder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sharp rejoinder" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quick, witty, or cutting response to a comment or question. Example: "Her sharp rejoinder left everyone in the room momentarily speechless, as they hadn't expected such a clever comeback."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The comment immediately drew a sharp rejoinder from a friend.

The New York Times

That drew a sharp rejoinder from the State Department, which wants the reactors converted.

The New York Times

The awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Liu Xiaobo, 54, was a sharp rejoinder to that philosophy.

The New York Times

History provides an especially sharp rejoinder to those who doubt the sustained power of protest: the civil-rights movement.

The New Yorker

Meanwhile Team Sky's principal, Dave Brailsford, sounded almost thrilled that his riders had suffered a swift and sharp rejoinder following Froome's victory on the Ax 3 Domaines.

The Guardian - Sport

In an address which focused on the intersection of gun violence and the criminal justice system, the likely Democratic nominee delivered a sharp rejoinder.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The Daily Mail's assessment drew instant and sharp rejoinders.

The New York Times

"Don't talk bollocks, Maffhugh," was the tart rejoinder.

Independent

In a way, it is a passionate rejoinder to Ken Burns, whose World War II documentary drew sharp criticism from Latino and American Indian groups for initially ignoring their contributions during that war.

The New York Times

— offered no rejoinder.

The New York Times

Iran swiftly issued a rejoinder.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sharp rejoinder" when you want to emphasize that a response was not only quick but also intelligent and impactful. It's particularly effective in describing interactions in debates, discussions, or interviews.

Common error

Avoid using "sharp rejoinder" in casual conversations or informal writing. Its slightly elevated tone is more suited to formal or professional contexts. In casual settings, simpler terms like "quick reply" or "smart comeback" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp rejoinder" functions as a noun phrase, where 'sharp' is an adjective modifying the noun 'rejoinder'. According to Ludwig AI, it describes a quick, witty, or cutting response.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sharp rejoinder" is a phrase used to describe a quick, intelligent, and sometimes critical response. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for formal contexts, primarily in news and media. Alternatives such as "witty retort" or "pointed response" can be used to convey similar meanings, but "sharp rejoinder" specifically emphasizes the incisive and impactful nature of the reply. The phrase's frequency is common, and its usage is generally well-regarded in professional and formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

witty retort

Replaces 'rejoinder' with 'retort' and 'sharp' with 'witty', focusing on the cleverness of the response.

cutting reply

Uses 'cutting' instead of 'sharp' and 'reply' instead of 'rejoinder', emphasizing the incisive nature of the response.

pointed response

Substitutes 'sharp' with 'pointed' and 'rejoinder' with 'response', highlighting the directness of the answer.

incisive comeback

Replaces 'sharp' with 'incisive' and 'rejoinder' with 'comeback', emphasizing the penetrating and quick nature of the response.

acerbic answer

Uses 'acerbic' instead of 'sharp' and 'answer' instead of 'rejoinder', focusing on the bitter or sarcastic quality of the response.

tart response

Replace 'sharp' with 'tart'. Highlights the biting quality of the answer.

caustic reply

Emphasizes the severely critical or sarcastic nature of the response.

swift retort

Focuses on the promptness and sharpness of the reply.

crisp response

Emphasizes the concise and effective nature of the answer.

pungent reply

Highlights the sharp and stimulating quality of the response.

FAQs

How can I use "sharp rejoinder" in a sentence?

A "sharp rejoinder" is best used to describe a clever and often cutting response in a formal setting. For example, "During the debate, the candidate delivered a "sharp rejoinder" that silenced his opponent".

What is a situation where a "witty retort" might be better than a "sharp rejoinder"?

A "witty retort" is better suited for lighter, more humorous situations, while a "sharp rejoinder" implies a more serious or critical context. The former aims to amuse, the latter to make a strong point.

What are some alternatives to "sharp rejoinder" that maintain a formal tone?

If you're looking for alternatives that keep a formal tone, consider "pointed response" or "incisive comeback". These options convey a similar sense of intelligence and impact.

Is "sharp rejoinder" always negative?

While a "sharp rejoinder" can be used to express disagreement or criticism, it isn't inherently negative. It simply describes a response that is quick, intelligent, and impactful, which can be used in various contexts depending on the intent.