Synonyms for

Parry

Verb / ˈperi: / Another word for parry — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to deflect or ward off (a weapon or attack) with a countermove

Synonyms & similar words

counterpunch elude circumvent skirt hedge evade duck putoff fudge dodge block counter deflect sidestep deflect dodge evade avoid repel counter counteract counterbalance offset neutralize balance nullify annul invalidate quash cancel negate reverse

Synonyms by register

Formal

deflect evade forestall preempt

Informal

block dodge duck fend off

Literary

ward off repel

Antonyms

accept advance confront face meet yield

Common collocations

  • parry a blow
  • parry a question
  • parry criticism
  • parry a thrust
  • parry an attack
  • parry a remark

Word family

noun parry
verb parry

Usage note

Primarily used in the context of combat or debate, 'parry' refers to deflecting an attack or avoiding a difficult question. It can imply skill or cleverness in the evasion.

Example sentences

  1. The knight was able to parry the dragon's fire breath with his shield.
  2. The boxer learned how to parry his opponent's punches.
  3. She tried to parry his insults with a witty comeback.
  4. The politician attempted to parry the tough questions during the debate.
  5. He had to parry the enemy's attacks in order to survive the battle.

Quotes

  • I always try to parry when life throws me a curveball.
  • Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts. - Winston Churchill
  • I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet. - Mahatma Gandhi

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