Want to say retaliate differently? Here are other words for retaliate and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.
Meaning of retaliate
The primary meaning of the word "retaliate" is to take revenge or exact punishment for a perceived wrong or injury.
Etymology of retaliate
The word "retaliate" originates from the Latin words "retaliare" or "retalio", meaning "to return like for like" or "to repay in kind"
The word has been in use since the 17th century, initially with the meaning of "to return like for like" or "to repay in kind", and later evolving to include the sense of revenge or punishment
Synonyms
avenge
revenge
repay
requite
retribution
vengeance
vindictiveness
reprisal
counterattack
strike back
fight back
hit back
get back
pay back
settle the score
take revenge
exact revenge
get revenge
take vengeance
exact vengeance
reciprocate
respond
react
counter
retaliate
revengefully
vengefully
spitefully
aggressively
belligerently
hostilely
defiantly
offensively
defensively
competitively
confrontationally
Definitions
- To take revenge or exact punishment for a perceived wrong or injury
- * To respond or react to a situation or action, often in a hostile or aggressive manner
- * To return like for like, especially in a conflict or dispute
Usage Examples
- The company will retaliate against the competitor's aggressive marketing tactics
- * She retalitated against her ex-boyfriend by posting negative comments on social media
- * The country retaliated against the trade embargo by imposing its own sanctions