# reform vs retort

> English confusable word pair

## The two words

### reform
*noun · IPA /ˌɹiːˈfɔɹm/ · frequency rank #2,854*
The change of something that is defective, broken, inefficient or otherwise negative, in order to correct or improve it

### retort
*noun · IPA /ɹɪˈtɔɹt/ · frequency rank #33,397*
A sharp or witty reply, or one which turns an argument against its originator; a comeback.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/vs/reform-vs-retort