A quick, clever reply to an insult or criticism. Her riposte to the critic's harsh review was both witty and sharp.
In fencing, a quick return thrust following a parry. The fencer's riposte was so swift that his opponent had no time to react.
A retaliatory action or maneuver; a countermeasure taken in response to an attack, challenge, or competitive move. The company’s aggressive pricing strategy was a strategic riposte to its rival’s market expansion.