RETALIATE Synonyms: 27 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'retaliate' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of retaliate are reciprocate , requite , and return . While all these words mean "to give back usually in kind or in quantity," retaliate usually implies a paying back of injury in exact kind, often vengefully. // the enemy retaliated by executing their prisoners

Q: When is 'reciprocate' a more appropriate choice than 'retaliate'?

While in some cases nearly identical to retaliate , reciprocate implies a mutual or equivalent exchange or a paying back of what one has received. // reciprocated their hospitality by inviting them for a visit

Q: Where would 'requite' be a reasonable alternative to 'retaliate'?

While the synonyms requite and retaliate are close in meaning, requite implies a paying back according to one's preference and often not equivalently. // requited her love with cold indifference

Q: When could 'return' be used to replace 'retaliate'?

The words return and retaliate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, return implies a paying or giving back. // returned their call // return good for evil

retaliate

verb

ri-ˈta-lē-ˌāt

Definition of retaliate next

as in to avenge

to punish in kind the wrongdoer responsible for retaliated his neighbor's malicious destruction of his flower garden by cutting down the man's prize apple tree

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How does the verb retaliate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of retaliate are reciprocate, requite, and return. While all these words mean "to give back usually in kind or in quantity," retaliate usually implies a paying back of injury in exact kind, often vengefully.

the enemy retaliated by executing their prisoners

When is reciprocate a more appropriate choice than retaliate?

While in some cases nearly identical to retaliate, reciprocate implies a mutual or equivalent exchange or a paying back of what one has received.

reciprocated their hospitality by inviting them for a visit

Where would requite be a reasonable alternative to retaliate?

While the synonyms requite and retaliate are close in meaning, requite implies a paying back according to one's preference and often not equivalently.

requited her love with cold indifference

When could return be used to replace retaliate?

The words return and retaliate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, return implies a paying or giving back.

returned their call

return good for evil

Examples of retaliate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Iran has vowed to retaliate over the assassination of a Hamas leader in Tehran in late July. —

Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 16 Aug. 2024 Iran has vowed to retaliate for the assassination on its soil. —

Democrat-Gazette Stafffrom Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 14 Aug. 2024 In April 2023, Lewis was indicted on three charges: influencing, impeding, or retaliating against a federal official by threat; obstruction of justice and contempt, the release states. —

Vivian Barrett, The Arizona Republic, 7 Aug. 2024 Tehran and Hezbollah have vowed to retaliate against Israel, but have not yet launched strikes as Gaza cease-fire talks and other diplomacy efforts continue in Qatar. —

Kareem Chehayeb and Mohammad Zaatari, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for retaliate

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'retaliate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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“Retaliate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retaliate. Accessed 16 Sep. 2024.

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Last Updated: 9 Sep 2024 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of retaliate

verb

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Examples of retaliate in a Sentence

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