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Showing results for retaliate. Search instead for retaliates/3.
Definitions

retaliate

[ri-tal-ee-eyt] / rɪˈtæl iˌeɪt /
VERB
get even with someone
Synonyms
STRONGEST
reciprocate
STRONG
get pay recompense repay requite retrospect return revenge revive settle
WEAK
even the score exact retribution get back at make reprisal pay back return the compliment square accounts strike back take an eye for an eye take revenge turn the tables on turn upon wreak vengeance
Antonyms
STRONG
depart leave lose take
WEAK
forgive pardon sympathize

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I have waited before asking him for the money because I don’t want him to retaliate with a bad review.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 20, 2026

Hurel cautions against writing off Iran's ability to retaliate either directly or through vigilante hacker groups.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

And, speaking to NewsNation, Trump warned Iran would "find out soon" how he planned to retaliate for the Riyadh embassy attack.

From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026

It isn’t clear whether Saudi Arabia would directly retaliate against Tehran.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 2, 2026

He would threaten chimps older and stronger than he was, because he knew that if they dared to retaliate, his mother, his sister, or one of his brothers would rush to help him.

From "My Life with the Chimpanzees" by Jane Goodall

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.