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 Sentences

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Recent Examples of retaliate Officials at a correctional facility in south central Pennsylvania are accused of retaliating against inmates by cutting power and heat and withholding essential items such as toilet paper to entire cell blocks, according to a federal lawsuit filed Tuesday. —

Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 17 Dec. 2024 Pettis' lawyer says she's being retaliated against for objecting to Police Chief Teresa Theetge's decision to place a detective into a new job assignment. —

Sharon Coolidge, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Dec. 2024 Also, if the other country retaliates by raising tariffs on U.S. goods, sales can decline for U.S. producers. —

Louis Jacobson, Austin American-Statesman, 10 Dec. 2024 The Chinese government retaliated by banning the export of gallium, germanium, antimony, and super hard materials, which are predominantly used in the manufacturing of semiconductors, according to Reuters. —

Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for retaliate