rejoinders

Rejoinder is a noun meaning a reply or response, especially a reply to a reply in a legal, argumentative, or conversational context. The word derives from Old French rejoindre, meaning to join again, and entered English in the medieval period. In general usage, a rejoinder is a quick, direct counterstatement that seeks to challenge or qualify a prior assertion.

In law, a rejoinder is a formal pleading in response to a prior pleading. Under traditional common-law procedure, after a plaintiff's declaration and a defendant's answer, the plaintiff may file a replication; the defendant may respond with a rejoinder, and the cycle can continue with surrejoinders. The exact form and availability of a rejoinder vary by jurisdiction and era, as many modern civil procedures have simplified or replaced these steps.

In rhetoric and debate, rejoinder refers to a concise counterargument or rebuttal that directly addresses an opponent’s point. It is often used to maintain argumentative momentum and may be followed by further responses or counter-rejoinders.

In discourse analysis, rejoinders are examined as interactive moves in conversational exchange, showing how speakers manage agreement, disagreement, and turn-taking. They can be conventionalized forms, such as brief confirmations, sarcasm, or pointed challenges, depending on context and culture.

Examples: “Her critique was sharp, and his rejoinder was equally direct.” “During the debate, he offered a witty rejoinder to the moderator’s question.”

See also: reply, counterargument, surrejoinder, rejoinder in law.