riposte

/rɪˈpoʊst/
noun
  1. A quick, clever reply, especially in a conversation or argument.
    • She delivered a perfect riposte that left everyone speechless.
    • His riposte to the criticism was both witty and sharp.
    • The debate ended with a clever riposte from the challenger.
  2. In fencing, a quick thrust given after successfully blocking an opponent's attack.
    • The fencer scored a point with a swift riposte.
    • Her riposte caught the opponent off guard.
    • He practiced his riposte until it became automatic.
verb
  1. To make a quick, clever reply.
    • When asked about the delay, she riposted calmly and confidently.
    • The author riposted to the review in a public letter.
    • He riposted with a joke that defused the tension.
  2. In fencing, to make a quick thrust after parrying an opponent's attack.
    • She riposted so fast that her opponent had no time to react.
    • The fencer riposted immediately after blocking the lunge.
    • He riposted and won the match.
What does "riposte" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean