Crossword Genius

Repartee from spite or confusion (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

riposte

'repartee' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'spite or confusion' is the wordplay.
'confusion' indicates an anagram.
'spite'+'or'='spiteor'
'spiteor' with letters rearranged gives 'RIPOSTE'.

'from' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for riposte that I've seen before include "Quick clever reply" , "Fencer's counterattack" , "Return thrust or repartee" , "Reply, response" , "Sharp answer" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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