Retaliate — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ri-ˈta-lē-ˌāt/ re·tal·i·ate

Meaning & Definition of Retaliate

Retaliate (verb)

  1. to return like for like; especially, to get revenge
  2. to repay in kind

Retaliate (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. 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"

    similar: avenge, redress, requite, revenge, venge (archaic), get even (for)
    related: castigate, fix, get, penalize, punish, scourge, chasten, chastise, correct, discipline, right, compensate, pay (back), recompense, repay
    near: absolve, condone, excuse, forgive, pardon, remit

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Retaliate

The most common words with a similar meaning to Retaliate:

Archaic: venge
avenge, redress, requite, revenge, get even (for)

Related Words for Retaliate

castigate, fix, get, penalize, punish, scourge, chasten, chastise, correct, discipline, right, compensate, pay (back), recompense, repay

Near Antonyms of Retaliate

absolve, condone, excuse, forgive, pardon, remit

Word Forms of Retaliate

Inflections: retaliated, retaliating

Derived words: retaliation (noun), retaliative (adjective), retaliatory (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Retaliate

Late Latin retaliatus, past participle of retaliare, from Latin re- + talio legal retaliation

First known use: 1606t

Frequently Asked Questions about Retaliate

What does "Retaliate" mean?

"Retaliate" means to return like for like; especially, to get revenge. As a verb, it is defined as: to return like for like; especially, to get revenge.

What is another word for "Retaliate"?

Other words for "Retaliate" include avenge, redress, requite, revenge, venge and get even (for). The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Retaliate" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Retaliate"?

There are 21 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Retaliate". Common alternatives include avenge, redress, requite, revenge, venge and get even (for).

How do you use "Retaliate" in a sentence?

Examples of "Retaliate" in a sentence: "retaliated his neighbor's malicious destruction of his flower garden by cutting down the man's prize apple tree".

Is "Retaliate" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Retaliate" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Retaliate"?

"Retaliate" is pronounced /ri-ˈta-lē-ˌāt/ and divided into syllables as re·tal·i·ate.

What is the origin of the word "Retaliate"?

"Retaliate" comes from Late Latin retaliatus, past participle of retaliare, from Latin re- + talio legal retaliation. First known use: 1606t.

What is another word for "Retaliate" meaning "to punish in kind the wrongdoer responsible for"?

When "Retaliate" (verb) means to punish in kind the wrongdoer responsible for, synonyms include avenge, redress, requite, revenge, venge and get even (for).