Rejoinder vs. Retort — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 21, 2024
A rejoinder is a quick, often witty response, usually in a formal debate, while a retort is a sharp, witty, or angry reply to a statement or accusation.
Difference Between Rejoinder and Retort
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A rejoinder is a response made during a formal discussion or argument, often characterized by its wit and relevance to the preceding statement. It is typically used to counter or address an argument, providing a thoughtful and direct answer. Retort, on the other hand, is a sharp, incisive reply that can be witty, critical, or even angry. It is often used in more casual or confrontational settings where the aim is to quickly counter or dismiss the previous statement.
While rejoinders are associated with measured, relevant responses in structured debates, retorts are more spontaneous and emotionally charged, aiming to make an immediate impact. Rejoinders focus on advancing the discussion constructively, whereas retorts prioritize quick rebuttal and emotional expression.
In terms of usage, rejoinders are more formal and are likely found in written and spoken debates, legal arguments, or intellectual discussions. Retorts are more casual and are often used in everyday conversations, arguments, or social interactions where a quick, decisive response is needed.
Rejoinders are structured to address the points raised, enhancing the logical flow of debate. Retorts, however, are crafted for immediate effect, often sidestepping deeper engagement to deliver a memorable or stinging reply.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Quick, witty response in formal debate
Sharp, witty, or angry reply
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Context
Formal discussions, debates, legal settings
Casual, confrontational settings
Tone
Thoughtful, relevant
Incisive, often critical
Purpose
Advance discussion constructively
Quick rebuttal, emotional impact
Usage
Written and spoken debates
Everyday conversations, arguments
Compare with Definitions
Rejoinder
A counter-response in a discussion.
His rejoinder clarified the misunderstanding immediately.
Retort
An angry comeback to a previous statement.
The heated argument ended with a stinging retort.
Rejoinder
A quick and witty response in a formal debate.
His rejoinder to the lawyer's argument was both sharp and relevant.
Retort
A short, sharp response intended to counter.
She couldn't resist a retort when he made that comment.
Rejoinder
A reply that addresses the preceding statement directly.
She delivered a clever rejoinder that left the audience impressed.
Retort
In a chemistry laboratory, a retort is a device used for distillation or dry distillation of substances. It consists of a spherical vessel with a long downward-pointing neck.
Rejoinder
A formal answer or response in legal terms.
The attorney’s rejoinder was crucial in the final verdict.
Retort
Say something in answer to a remark, typically in a sharp, angry, or witty manner
He retorted that this was nonsense
‘No need to be rude,’ retorted Isabel
Rejoinder
A retort made in a structured argument.
During the debate, her rejoinder highlighted key points effectively.
Retort
Repay (an insult or injury)
It was now his time to retort the humiliation
Rejoinder
A reply, especially a sharp or witty one
She would have made some cutting rejoinder but none came to mind
Retort
Heat in a retort in order to separate or purify
The raw shale is retorted at four crude oil works
Rejoinder
An answer, especially to a reply.
Retort
A sharp, angry, or witty reply
She opened her mouth to make a suitably cutting retort
Rejoinder
(legal) The defendant's answer to the replication.
Retort
A container or furnace for carrying out a chemical process on a large or industrial scale
Gas was made by baking coal in airtight retorts
Rejoinder
A response that answers another response.
Retort
To reply, especially to answer in a quick, caustic, or witty manner.
Rejoinder
A quick response that involves disagreement or is witty, especially an answer to a question.
Retort
To present a counterargument to (an argument or accusation).
Rejoinder
Re-insertion, typically after allowance of a patent application, of patent claims that had been withdrawn from examination under a restriction requirement.
Retort
(Archaic) To return in kind; pay back.
Rejoinder
(intransitive) To issue a rejoinder.
Retort
To make a reply, especially a quick, caustic, or witty one.
Rejoinder
(transitive) To say as a rejoinder.
Retort
To present a counterargument.
Rejoinder
An answer to a reply; or, in general, an answer or reply.
Retort
(Archaic) To return like for like; retaliate.
Rejoinder
The defendant's answer to the plaintiff's replication.
Retort
A quick incisive reply, especially one that turns the first speaker's words to that speaker's own disadvantage.
Rejoinder
To make a rejoinder.
Retort
The act or an instance of retorting.
Rejoinder
A quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one);
It brought a sharp rejoinder from the teacher
Retort
A closed laboratory vessel with an outlet tube, used for distillation, sublimation, or decomposition by heat.
Rejoinder
(law) a pleading made by a defendant in response to the plaintiff's replication
Retort
A sharp or witty reply, or one which turns an argument against its originator; a comeback.
Retort
(chemistry) A flask with a rounded base and a long neck that is bent down and tapered, used to heat a liquid for distillation.
Retort
An airtight vessel in which material is subjected to high temperatures in the chemical industry or as part of an industrial manufacturing process, especially during the smelting and forging of metal.
Retort
A pressure cooker.
Retort
A crematory furnace.
Retort
To say something sharp or witty in answer to a remark or accusation.
Retort
To make a remark which reverses an argument upon its originator; to return, as an argument, accusation, censure, or incivility.
To retort the charge of vanity
Retort
To bend or curve back.
A retorted line
Retort
To throw back; to reverberate; to reflect.
Retort
(transitive) To heat in a retort.
Retort
To bend or curve back; as, a retorted line.
With retorted head, pruned themselves as they floated.
Retort
To throw back; to reverberate; to reflect.
As when his virtues, shining upon others,Heat them and they retort that heat againTo the first giver.
Retort
To return, as an argument, accusation, censure, or incivility; as, to retort the charge of vanity.
And with retorted scorn his back he turned.
Retort
To return an argument or a charge; to make a severe reply.
Retort
The return of, or reply to, an argument, charge, censure, incivility, taunt, or witticism; a quick and witty or severe response.
This is called the retort courteous.
Retort
A vessel in which substances are subjected to distillation or decomposition by heat. It is made of different forms and materials for different uses, as a bulb of glass with a curved beak to enter a receiver for general chemical operations, or a cylinder or semicylinder of cast iron for the manufacture of gas in gas works.
Retort
A quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one);
It brought a sharp rejoinder from the teacher
Retort
A vessel where substances are distilled or decomposed by heat
Retort
Answer back
Retort
A sharp, incisive reply, often witty or angry.
Her retort to his criticism was unexpectedly harsh.
Retort
A quick and cutting response.
He had a biting retort ready for any insult.
Retort
A witty or sarcastic reply.
His retort silenced the room with its cleverness.
Common Curiosities
In what context is a rejoinder used?
Rejoinders are used in formal discussions, debates, and legal settings.
How does a rejoinder differ in tone from a retort?
A rejoinder is thoughtful and relevant, while a retort is incisive and often critical.
What is an example of a retort?
e.g., “And what makes you the expert?” he retorted sharply.
What is the purpose of a rejoinder?
The purpose of a rejoinder is to advance the discussion constructively.
What is a rejoinder?
A rejoinder is a quick, witty response, typically in a formal debate.
What is a retort?
A retort is a sharp, witty, or angry reply to a statement or accusation.
In what context is a retort used?
Retorts are used in casual or confrontational settings, like everyday conversations or arguments.
Is a retort typically formal or informal?
A retort is typically informal.
What is the purpose of a retort?
The purpose of a retort is to provide a quick rebuttal and emotional impact.
Is a rejoinder typically formal or informal?
A rejoinder is typically formal.
What is an example of a rejoinder?
e.g., “Your analysis is flawed because it ignores key data points,” she said in her rejoinder.
Can a retort be used in debates?
Retorts can be used in debates but are less formal and more emotionally charged.
Which term implies a more spontaneous reaction?
Retort implies a more spontaneous reaction.
Can a rejoinder be used in legal arguments?
Yes, rejoinders are common in legal arguments.
Which term implies a more structured response?
Rejoinder implies a more structured response.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
