What does "riposte" mean?
A thrust given in return after parrying an attack.
Riposte
/ɹɪˈpoʊst/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A thrust given in return after parrying an attack.
- Grammar: riposte is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: comeback, counter, rejoinder, retort.
- Useful contrasts: agree, blocked attack, concede.
- Usage evidence: 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.
How to use "riposte"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "riposte" 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 "riposte" 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
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "riposte" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "riposte" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "riposte" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "comeback" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "riposte", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
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 A thrust given in return after parrying an attack.
- 2 (fencing) a counterattack made immediately after successfully parrying the opponents lunge wordnet
- 3 A counter-attack in any combat or any sport. broadly
"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."
- 4 a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one) wordnet
- 5 A quick and usually witty response to a taunt. figuratively
"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."
Show 1 more definition
- 6 An answer or reply, rapidly uttered, in response to a question or problem.
Verb
- 1 To attempt to hit an opponent after parrying an attack.
- 2 answer back wordnet
- 3 To respond quickly; particularly if the response is humorous.
"I left him and went to a tavern by the quays where the college bucks were drinking and singing hymns. There was Giles who invited old men back to his college apartments for games. Members of the rowing club riposted, for God's sake, man, clean up your life."
- 4 make a return thrust wordnet
Example
"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."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "riposte"?
Common synonyms include: comeback, counter, rejoinder, retort, acknowledge, acknowledgment.
How do you use "riposte" in a sentence?
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.
How do you pronounce "riposte"?
Pronounced /ɹɪˈpoʊst/.
Etymology
From French riposte, taken from Italian risposta, a derivative of the verb rispondere (“to respond”).