sharp retort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sharp retort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quick, witty, or cutting response to a comment or question, often in a debate or argument. Example: "When he criticized her work, she shot back with a sharp retort that left him speechless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Do justice!' " Justice Holmes gave a sharp retort: "That is not my job.

The New York Times

That prompted a sharp retort from Treasury Secretary Lawrence H. Summers.

The New York Times

Senator Dodd has a sharp retort when I asked him about that warning: "Oh, that's very patriotic.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Cuomo's office issued a sharp retort, saying, "This is just Eliot and his minions still trying to vindicate Eliot".

The New York Times

During a mock press interview his interrogator's every question concerned his father and, eventually, prompted a sharp retort.

The Guardian - Sport

The post garnered more than 211,000 page views, over 1,000 comments and a sharp retort from 32 female employees currently with "The Daily Show".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

But the chancellor was more his telegenic self, using quips and sharp retorts to score points.

The New York Times

If I worked at IBM I would make the brilliant women who made those witty, sharp retorts the stars of my next campaign.

Independent

Humphries commands the stage as Edna; many younger comics can only dream of such effortless interaction with the crowd and such sharp retorts.

The Guardian

Brady might not be a like-for-like replacement but as someone who has prospered in the male-dominated world of football, she has had to come up with a few sharp retorts of her own.

The Guardian

Whereas Tony Speaks: The Wisdom of the Abbott – an earlier book of quotations I put together – is mostly gaffes, backflips and hypocrisies, The Book of Paul is a mixture of sharp retorts and light-on-the-hill vision.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sharp retort" when you want to emphasize the quick, intelligent, and potentially critical nature of a response. It suggests more than just a simple answer, implying a degree of cleverness or sting.

Common error

Avoid using "sharp retort" in overly casual or informal settings. The phrase carries a somewhat formal tone and might sound out of place in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp retort" functions as a noun phrase, where "sharp" modifies the noun "retort". It describes a particular kind of response, one that is quick, intelligent, and often critical. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with several examples of the phrase used in news articles and other media.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sharp retort" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a quick, intelligent, and often critical response, according to Ludwig. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it suggests more than a simple answer, implying a degree of cleverness or sting. While generally neutral in register, it's best reserved for situations where a somewhat formal tone is appropriate. Alternatives like "cutting reply" or "witty comeback" can be used to fine-tune the specific nuance. Remember that while it's grammatically correct, overuse in overly casual contexts is something to watch out for.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cutting reply

Focuses on the incisive and potentially hurtful nature of the response.

witty comeback

Highlights the clever and humorous aspect of the response.

pointed response

Emphasizes the direct and targeted nature of the reply.

acidic rejoinder

Stresses the bitter and caustic quality of the answer.

incisive remark

Highlights the penetrating and clear-thinking character of the answer.

terse reply

Implies a brief and concise, possibly rude, response.

quick riposte

Focuses on the speed and skill of the response.

snappy answer

Suggests a quick and somewhat impolite response.

sarcastic remark

Highlights the sarcastic tone of the answer.

acerbic comment

Emphasizes the sour and bitter nature of the comment.

FAQs

What does "sharp retort" mean?

A "sharp retort" is a quick, clever, and often critical response to a statement or question. It implies intelligence and a potentially stinging quality.

What can I say instead of "sharp retort"?

You can use alternatives like "cutting reply", "witty comeback", or "pointed response" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How to use "sharp retort" in a sentence?

Example: "When the senator made a controversial statement, his opponent delivered a "sharp retort" that quickly went viral."

What is the difference between "sharp retort" and "snappy comeback"?

While both phrases describe quick responses, "sharp retort" suggests more intelligence and a critical edge, whereas "snappy comeback" often implies a more casual or even rude response.