How to Pronounce Retaliation

To pronounce "retaliation", say RET-al-iat-ion — 4 syllables, IPA /ɹɪˌtæliˈeɪʃən/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

retaliation

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

If an accent sounds the same, your device is missing that voice — it falls back to the closest one.

Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

Record yourself saying retaliation, then compare with the target. Your audio stays on this device — nothing is uploaded.

4

Syllables

11

Letters

/ɹɪˌtæliˈeɪʃən/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “retaliation”

"retaliation" has 4 syllables: ret-al-iat-ion. It rhymes with trepidation and indignation, if that helps it stick.

What does retaliation mean?

noun

  1. Violent or otherwise punitive response to an act of harm or perceived injustice; a hitting back; revenge.

Hear “retaliation” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with retaliation

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

trepidationindignationexhilarationvenerationelationcondemnationgratificationinclinationaspirationdesolationaffirmationrumination

Related words

revengeretributionreprisalvengeancepaybackvindictivenesspunishmentrecrimination

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "retaliation"?▾

"Retaliation" has 4 syllables: ret · al · iat · ion.

What is the IPA transcription of "retaliation"?▾

The IPA transcription of "retaliation" is /ɹɪˌtæliˈeɪʃən/.

What does "retaliation" mean?▾

Retaliation: Violent or otherwise punitive response to an act of harm or perceived injustice; a hitting back; revenge.

Want the definition, translations into 8 languages, and read-aloud for full sentences?

Open “retaliation” in the full dictionary →