riposte

Plural: ripostes

Noun

• a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one)
• (fencing) a counterattack made immediately after successfully parrying the opponents lunge
• A thrust given in return after parrying an attack.
• A counter-attack in any combat or any sport.
• A quick and usually witty response to a taunt.
• An answer or reply, rapidly uttered, in response to a question or problem.

Verb

Verb Forms: riposteed, riposteing, ripostees

• To make a quick, sharp return thrust or witty reply.
• make a return thrust
  • "his opponent riposted"
• answer back
• To attempt to hit an opponent after parrying an attack.
• To respond quickly; particularly if the response is humorous.

Examples

• His clever word play was a perfect "RIPOSTE" to his opponent’s challenge.

Synonyms

come back, comeback, counter, rejoin, rejoinder, repay, replication, retort, return

Anagrams of riposte