retorted
Replied with bite
Retorted is the past tense of retort, meaning to reply sharply or in kind, especially when countering an accusation or criticism: When he called her naive, she retorted that experience wasn't the same as wisdom.
The word implies a quick, pointed comeback rather than a measured response.
Broke with sudden force
- counteredResponded to challenge
- returnedWent back again
- quippedSaid something witty
- rejoinedReplied or reunited
shot back · fired back · snarled · barked · hissed · growled · bit back · lashed out
Shielded from harm
- justifiedShown to be right
- rationalizedInvented justification for
- counteredResponded to challenge
- rebuttedContradicted with evidence
refuted · disputed · contested · challenged · objected · protested · denied · rejected
snapped
Broke with sudden force
shot back · fired back · rejoined · snarled · barked · hissed · growled · bit back · lashed out · spat
defended
Shielded from harm
- justifiedShown to be right
- rationalizedInvented justification for
- counteredResponded to challenge
rebutted · refuted · disputed · contested · challenged · objected · protested · denied · rejected · dismissed
quipped
Said something witty
- banteredTraded light teasing remarks
- wisecrackedMade a witty remark
- zingedHit with quip
jibed · needled · ribbed · jabbed · sallied · riposted · sparred · volleyed
fumed
Burned with silent anger
flared · seethed · raged · stormed · thundered · bellowed · roared · sputtered · spluttered · choked out