# retort vs return

> English confusable word pair

## The two words

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

### return
*verb · IPA /ɹɪˈtɜːn/ · frequency rank #663*
To come or go back (to a place or person).

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