The AI-powered English dictionary
plural ripostes
(fencing) A thrust given in return after parrying an attack. examples
(by extension) A counter-attack in any combat or any sport. quotations examples
Some context is required. Moldova were weak at the back and blunt up front, and have failed to score in six matches stretching back to last October, with only hints at English complacency offering them glimpses of summoning a riposte.
2012 September 7, Dominic Fifield, “England start World Cup campaign with five-goal romp against Moldova”, in The Guardian
(figurative) A quick and usually witty response to a taunt. quotations examples
This face-saving reminds us of some American ripostes a few months back when their space rockets seemed disinclined to leave the earth very far behind; after all, they said, the Russians are only chucking heavy machinery at the moon, whereas we're trying to be more sophisticated and get a sewing-machine up there.
1961 March, “Talking of trains”, in Trains Illustrated, pages 129–130
An answer or reply, rapidly uttered, in response to a question or problem. quotations examples
I left him and went to a tavern by the quays where the college bucks were drinking and singing hymns. There was Giles who invited old men back to his college apartments for games. Members of the rowing club riposted, for God's sake, man, clean up your life.
1963, J P Donleavy, A Singular Man, published 1963 (USA), page 204
third-person singular simple present ripostes, present participle riposting, simple past and past participle riposted
(fencing) To attempt to hit an opponent after parrying an attack. examples
To respond quickly; particularly if the response is humorous. examples