ri
poste
Plural
ripostes
1
a quick return attack in fencing following a successful defensive block
- The fencer's lightning riposte caught her opponent completely off guard.
- His riposte after the parry was so precise it scored the winning point.
- She executed a flawless riposte that turned defense into instant offense.
- The coach emphasized the importance of timing in a successful riposte.
- In competitive fencing, a sharp riposte can decide the match in seconds.
2
a sharp, clever, or critical response to a comment or action
- Her riposte to the insult left the entire room silent.
- The debate was full of witty ripostes between the two candidates.
- His calm riposte turned the critic's words back on him.
- The comedian's quick riposte drew loud laughter from the audience.
- In conversation, a well‑timed riposte can defuse tension or win admiration.