Riposte

Definitions

1. A thrust given in return after parrying an attack.
2. A counter-attack in any combat or any sport.
   broadly
3. A quick and usually witty response to a taunt.
   figuratively
4. An answer or reply, rapidly uttered, in response to a question or problem.

Equivalents

Examples

“Some context is required. Moldova were weak at the back and blunt up front, and have⟳ failed to score⟳ in six matches stretching back to last⟳ October, with only hints at English complacency offering them glimpses of summoning a riposte.”

“This face-saving reminds us of some American ripostes a few months back when their space rockets seemed disinclined to leave⟳ the earth very far behind; after all, they said, the Russians are only chucking heavy machinery at the moon, whereas we're trying to be more sophisticated and get⟳ a sewing-machine up there.”

“Watson’s letter was a riposte to the accusation made on Tuesday by Corbyn’s campaign that he was “peddling conspiracy theories” after he said in a Guardian interview that Labour was at risk⟳ from “Trotskyist entryists”.”

CEFR level