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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Example 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 retaliate Tehran vowed to retaliate and is concurrently rebuilding its military and, according to reports, may be planning on expanding the war, including escalation into Europe. — Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 Some people abandon their own needs simply to get the other person talking again; others retaliate with silence of their own. — Angela Haupt, Time, 26 Aug. 2026 However, CyberLeek seems to have retaliated by leaking footage showing the apparent prologue of the game. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026 Despite San Jose's rent control laws, one group of park residents feels they are being retaliated against for trying to stand up for their rights. — John Ramos, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for retaliate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retaliate

avenge

Verb

Across the 12 tracks, the sisters team together in a quest for respect, attempting to avenge any lack of it for women in general and their extended tribe of sisters in rock and metal.

— Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 27 Aug. 2026
His son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, has vowed to avenge his death.

— Chad de Guzman, Time, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of avenge

Browse Nearby Words

retaking

retaliate

retaliated

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“Retaliate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retaliate. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of retaliate

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