retort1

verb

• 1 [reporting verb] say something in answer to a remark, typically in a sharp, angry, or witty manner: [with direct speech]:‘No need to be rude,’ retorted Isabel [with clause]:he retorted that this was nonsense

• 2 [with object] archaic repay (an insult or injury):it was now his time to retort the humiliation
• turn (an insult or accusation) back on the person who has issued it:he was resolute to retort the charge of treason on his foes
• use (an opponent’s argument) against them: the answer they make to us may very easily be retorted

noun

• a sharp, angry, or witty reply:she opened her mouth to make a suitably cutting retort