Answering back is a term used to describe responding to something in a quick and witty manner. The crossword solutions for this term are RIPOSTE (7 letters), SASS (4 letters), REACT (5 letters), REPLY (5 letters), REBUT (5 letters), and RETORT (6 letters). RIPOSTE is a French word meaning a quick, witty REPLY, while SASS is an informal term for talking back in a disrespectful way. REACT is to respond to something, REPLY is to answer a question or statement, REBUT is to challenge or oppose an argument, and RETORT is to respond to something with a sharp or witty comment.