repartee
noun
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Dorothy Parker was known for her repartee. Upon hearing that former president Calvin Coolidge had died, the poet, short-story writer, screenwriter, and critic—famous for her acerbic wit—replied, “How can they tell?” The taciturn Coolidge, aka “Silent Cal,” obviously didn’t have a reputation for being the life of the party, but he could be counted on for the occasional bon mot, as when a Washington, D.C., hostess told him, “You must talk to me, Mr. President. I made a bet today that I could get more than two words out of you,” and he replied, “You lose.” Repartee, our word for a quick, sharp reply (and for skill with such replies) comes from the French repartie, of the same meaning. Repartie itself is formed from the French verb repartir, meaning “to retort.”
Examples of repartee in a Sentence
Rachel Handler, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2024
Crockett has amassed growing recognition by introducing the art of the masterful clapback to a Democratic Party that hasn’t always been known for its quick repartee.
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 7 Oct. 2024
The series has far more bland conversations than tense action sequences, more awkward banter than witty repartee and more staid dinner parties than dastardly criminal deeds.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 2 Feb. 2024
Romance, jealousy, and unexpected reunions combine for a spirited, comedic romp, filled with witty repartee and otherworldly surprises.
—David Catlin, The Enquirer, 6 Mar. 2024
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Dictionary Entries Near repartee
Cite this Entry
“Repartee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repartee. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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repartee
noun
-ˌär-
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