Ripostes (7)
I believe the answer is:
retorts
<span class="explanation-format__ClueExplanation">'<span class="explanation-format__original">ripostes</span>' is the definition.<br/ ><span class="explanation-format__explanation">('retort' can be a synonym of 'riposte')</span><br/ ><br/ >This is the entire clue.<br/ ></span>
(Other definitions for retorts that I've seen before include "Sharp replies or rejoinders" , "laboratory equipment" , "Counters" , "Makes witty or angry reply" .)