Definition of "retort" []

To reply, especially to answer in a quick, caustic, or witty manner. See Synonyms at answer. (verb-transitive)
To present a counterargument to. (verb-transitive)
To return in kind; pay back. (verb-transitive)
To make a reply, especially a quick, caustic, or witty one. (verb-intransitive)
To present a counterargument. (verb-intransitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "retort" in a sentence

"Mr. Greg begins with what he calls a retort courteous."
"The obvious retort is that anyone who signs a mortgage should know whether or not they can afford the monthly payments."
"You had written in retort, Of course, the prognosis of death is a pretty sure bet … Hell, I could be dead by the time you get this letter."

Words like "retort"

answer rebuke reflect rejoinder

repartee reply respond retorted

retorting retorts reverberate sarcasm

sneer