Synonym Chooser

How does the noun repartee differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of repartee are humor, irony, sarcasm, satire, and wit. While all these words mean "a mode of expression intended to arouse amusement," repartee implies the power of answering quickly, pointedly, or wittily.

a dinner guest noted for repartee

When could humor be used to replace repartee?

The synonyms humor and repartee are sometimes interchangeable, but humor implies an ability to perceive the ludicrous, the comical, and the absurd in human life and to express these usually without bitterness.

a sense of humor

Where would irony be a reasonable alternative to repartee?

While the synonyms irony and repartee are close in meaning, irony applies to a manner of expression in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is seemingly expressed.

the irony of the title

When would sarcasm be a good substitute for repartee?

In some situations, the words sarcasm and repartee are roughly equivalent. However, sarcasm applies to expression frequently in the form of irony that is intended to cut or wound.

given to heartless sarcasm

When might satire be a better fit than repartee?

The meanings of satire and repartee largely overlap; however, satire applies to writing that exposes or ridicules conduct, doctrines, or institutions either by direct criticism or more often through irony, parody, or caricature.

a satire on the Congress

When is wit a more appropriate choice than repartee?

While in some cases nearly identical to repartee, wit suggests the power to evoke laughter by remarks showing verbal felicity or ingenuity and swift perception especially of the incongruous.

a playful wit

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of repartee Romance, jealousy, and unexpected reunions combine for a spirited, comedic romp, filled with witty repartee and otherworldly surprises. David Catlin, The Enquirer, 6 Mar. 2024 Shawn and Gus' witty repartee was never offset by more than one or two deaths to people per episode. EW.com, 26 Feb. 2024 The rapid-fire repartee and seamless synergy between the two got a harsh shake-up in the form of the Doctor’s regeneration into the 12th, played by Peter Capaldi. Maya Phillips, New York Times, 29 Dec. 2023 If that’s the sort of sparkling repartee that made it into Rennervations, how mind-numbing was the stuff that got cut? Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Apr. 2023 See all Example Sentences for repartee 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for repartee
Noun
  • Their leadership across finance, technology, media and beyond stands as a potent retort to those who question a woman’s ability to wield power.
    Maggie McGrath, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
  • But that hasn’t stopped Father John Misty from playfully framing it as a Lamar retort.
    Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 23 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The banter in the green rooms before and after a show are core memories that all of us comics will treasure forever.
    Christian Holub, EW.com, 6 Dec. 2024
  • Coming in early 2025, Liese's Once Smitten, Twice Shy is a reimagining of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and promises a story filled with banter, a bit of spice and a deeply healing, soft love.
    Lizz Schumer, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • In The Kitchen, Wesker tracked the decorum from friendly badinage to hostile vernacular that co-workers sustain just to get through the day.
    Armond White, National Review, 30 Oct. 2024
  • While Hawley hasn’t left behind any of his signature philosophical dialogue or memorable badinage, Season 5 is also the most reliant on the camera to make its points.
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 13 Aug. 2024
Noun
  • Many rival fans have had a good laugh at Tottenham and their wildly fluctuating results this season.
    Nick Miller, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024
  • After 25 years in business, Vanessa von Bismarck and Carrie Phillips have had their share of successes, laughs and struggles.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Like many classic Spongebob jokes, the scene became a meme, often referenced and recreated online.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Mulaney did a classic couch set on The Tonight Show (perhaps the most classic venue for a couch set) with new jokes about his son, his son’s emerging rockabilly tendencies, and his son’s hatred for Steely Dan.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • With time, their caustic raillery transforms into sincere attachment.
    Charlie Tyson, The Atlantic, 13 May 2021
  • French’s evocation of place, a rural way of life and overall creepiness are superb, as is the dialogue, a festival of Irish raillery and repartee.
    Washington Post, Washington Post, 14 Oct. 2020
Noun
  • Directed by Sidney Poitier, the film paired Poitier with Bill Cosby and Harry Belafonte in a story that was filled with humor, heart, and sharp cultural insight.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Through these two characters, the film blends touching moments, humor, and a very realistic depiction of navigating love and relationships in a bustling urban environment.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 17 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • So to me, it’s always been the later draft rounds that separate the fantasy wheat from the chaff.
    John Laghezza, The Athletic, 20 Aug. 2024
  • The same goes for a whole host of other digital solutions designed to help separate the chaff from the wheat.
    Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

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Thesaurus Entries Near repartee

Cite this Entry

“Repartee.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/repartee. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

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