Repartee
n.joyful, energeticliterary
What it means
A lively exchange of quick, clever remarks.
Reach for it when naming mutual verbal wit rather than a single joke
Their affectionate repartee kept the long rehearsal buoyant.
Choose between these
6- playful
wordplay
language itself supplies the humor
not when Wordplay may be solitary.
- everyday
banter
friendly teasing moves back and forth
not when Banter can become coarse.
- warm
verbal cleverness is the broad quality
not when Wit need not be exchanged.
- professional
quick exchange
speed and reciprocity need neutral wording
not when The phrase omits humor.
- formal
riposte
one sharp reply answers another
not when Riposte is a single response.
- literary
badinage
light polished teasing suits elevated prose
not when Badinage is even less familiar.
Said against
3- monologue
- silence
- dullness
It naturally appears in
3- witty repartee
Witty repartee enlivened the radio interview.
- sparkling repartee
The comedy depends on sparkling repartee.
- exchange repartee
The hosts exchanged repartee while preparing supper.