riposting
Quick retaliatory thrust
Riposting is the present participle of riposte, which comes from fencing where it denotes a quick thrust made after parrying an opponent's attack.
The word has extended to any swift, clever comeback or retort in conversation or debate.
She spent the evening riposting his barbs with equal wit.
The term suggests not just responding but doing so with skill and timing, turning an attack back on the attacker.
Quick, cutting reply
- comebackRecovery after decline
- rejoinderReply to a reply
- rebuttalFormal response disputing claims
- quipBrief, clever remark
repartee · witticism · counter-argument · response · reply · barb · jibe · zinger
Offensive response to aggression
- duelPrearranged one-on-one combat
- swordplayArt of fighting with blades
- joustMounted lance combat
- skirmishBrief, limited combat
clash · contest · challenge · bout · engagement · confrontation · swordfight · melee
retort
Quick, cutting reply
quip · repartee · witticism · counter-argument · response · reply · barb · jibe · zinger · put-down
counterattack
Offensive response to aggression
skirmish · clash · contest · challenge · bout · engagement · confrontation · swordfight · melee · tournament
foil
Defeat a plan
touché · parry · thrust · bladework · bout · piste · right-of-way · advance · retreat · fleche
timing
Art of choosing moments
technique · reflexes · coordination · control · accuracy · agility · anticipation · execution · finesse · muscle memory
ripostingattacking
Actively engaging offensively
initiating · lunging · thrusting · aggressing · assaulting
ripostingprovoking
Causing a reaction
instigating · initiating · starting · opening · challenging
ripostingabsorbing
Holding attention completely
enduring · accepting · submitting · yielding · retreating