Rejoinder

A Rejoinder is a reply, especially a sharp or witty one, often used in response to an argument or statement. It signifies a comeback, a direct answer, or a counter-argument designed to address and often rebut a preceding point. The term suggests a quick and intelligent verbal response, frequently involving a defense against a criticism, accusation, or assertion made earlier in a discussion or debate. The effectiveness of a Rejoinder often hinges on its cleverness, relevance, and the way it turns the tables on the original speaker or point. It serves to clarify the stance of the one who's offering it or to maintain control during a discussion, preventing other speakers from dominating the debate, while shifting attention back to what is being discussed.

Rejoinder meaning with examples

• During the heated debate, the politician launched a scathing attack, accusing his opponent of hypocrisy. The opponent's Rejoinder was swift and precise, citing past votes and public records to dismantle the accusations, which led to an astonished audience, who believed the politician's attack would leave the opponent speechless.
• In the courtroom, the defense attorney presented compelling evidence. The prosecutor's Rejoinder involved skillful cross-examination and exposing inconsistencies in the defendant's testimony, which caused the defendant to fall silent. The quick and targeted nature of the Rejoinder served as a powerful argument against the defendant.
• The online argument unfolded, each user firing insults at each other. One user's Rejoinder was particularly sharp, pointing out logical fallacies in the other's arguments and offering a concise summary of the core issue. That Rejoinder gained widespread agreement and ended the argument, showing the power of precision.
• After the comedian's provocative joke, a heckler shouted an insult. The comedian, unfazed, delivered a witty Rejoinder that incorporated the heckler's words in a self-deprecating manner, winning over the audience and turning the heckler's words into laughter. The audience adored the comedian's response.
• The author faced criticism of their latest novel's plot twist. Their Rejoinder was a detailed defense of their creative choices, explaining the literary symbolism behind the perceived plot hole, which provided some satisfaction to readers, while also leaving some to believe it did not add up, yet it gave insight into the book.