The word "retorted" is often used to introduce a sharp, immediate reply that enhances the tension or reveals the character's wit and emotional state. It typically signals that a character is defending themselves or countering another’s remark with a forceful, sometimes sarcastic or defiant, reply, as seen when a character quickly rebuts an accusation or provocation [1]. Authors employ it across genres to capture a moment of verbal sparring that is both dynamic and telling of character relationships, whether it be a brisk, cutting rejoinder [2] or a humorously unexpected comeback [3]. The versatility of "retorted" enriches dialogue, lending immediacy and a rhythmic quality to interactions that expose subtle layers of social conflict and individual temperament [4], [5].