What does "rejoinder" mean?
The defendant's answer to the replication.
Rejoinder
/ɹɪˈd͡ʒɔɪndɚ/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The defendant's answer to the replication.
- Grammar: rejoinder is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: retort, riposte, acknowledgment, answer.
- Useful contrasts: inaction, silence.
- Usage evidence: "You're another" is a hallowed rejoinder to playground taunts.
How to use "rejoinder"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "rejoinder" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "rejoinder" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "rejoinder" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The defendant's answer to the replication.
- 2 (law) a pleading made by a defendant in response to the plaintiff's replication wordnet
- 3 A response that answers another response.
""76. ... P-R8(N) mate! Certainly not 76... P-R8(Q), though threatening mate on the move in seven different ways--as 77 Q-N5 mate would have been the painful rejoinder.""
- 4 a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one) wordnet
- 5 A quick response that involves disagreement or is witty, especially an answer to a question.
"I have passed perhaps more time than any other man of my age and country in visits and assemblies, where the polite persons of both sexes distinguish themselves; and could not without much grief observe how frequently both gentlemen and ladies are at a loss for questions, answers, replies, and rejoinders."
Show 1 more definition
- 6 Re-insertion, typically after allowance of a patent application, of patent claims that had been withdrawn from examination under a restriction requirement. US
Verb
- 1 To issue a rejoinder. intransitive
- 2 To say as a rejoinder. transitive
Example
""You're another" is a hallowed rejoinder to playground taunts."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "rejoinder"?
Common synonyms include: retort, riposte, acknowledgment, answer, answer, answering.
How do you use "rejoinder" in a sentence?
"You're another" is a hallowed rejoinder to playground taunts.
How do you pronounce "rejoinder"?
Pronounced /ɹɪˈd͡ʒɔɪndɚ/.
Etymology
From Middle English rejoinder, rejonder, rejoynder, from Middle French rejoindre, with infinitive used as noun frequent in Law French. Doublet of rejoin.