fired back
- retortedAnswered in kind
- snappedBroke with sudden force
- counteredResponded to challenge
- retaliatedResponded with equal force
- respondedGave a reply
shot back · clapped back · answered · lashed out · hit back · struck back · defended · challenged · barbed · snarky · heated · argument · verbal · sparring · exchange · quick · sharp · tongue
verbal response style
fired backsaid nothing
backed down · bit one's tongue · kept quiet · capitulated · acquiesced
engagement vs. disengagement
fired backsaid nothing
ignored · kept quiet · walked away · disengaged · stonewalled
rhetorical stance
fired backbacked down
Retreated from a position
surrendered · gave in · stood down · retreated · withdrew