retort

verb (retort, retorts, retorted, retorting); noun (a retort, retorts)

«retort» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

Everyday

To answer quickly and sharply, often in an angry or clever way. tree →
(noun) A quick, sharp or clever reply. tree →
(science, old) A glass container with a long bent neck used for heating and distilling liquids. tree →

In the lessons

In stories it is a speech verb instead of «said»: «"Not likely!" she retorted». It tells the reader the answer was quick and cheeky or angry. In history of science pictures of old laboratories show retorts. Phrases: «retorted angrily», «a witty retort».

Examples

«You started it!» he retorted. tree →
She had a clever retort for every joke. tree →
«I'm not scared,» retorted the mouse. tree →
The alchemist heated the liquid in a glass retort. tree →
His rude retort got him in trouble. tree →
When teased, she retorted with a smile. tree →
"You do muddy it!" retorted the Wolf savagely. tree →

Note

Regular verb: retorted. Good «said» alternative in story writing, but only for sharp replies. Pronounced «ri-TORT».

On Mova

Trees and pragmatics of «retort» in the school dictionary: every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
«retort» in the school dictionary on Mova free.

This page in Markdown → https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/retort/