As nouns the difference between retort and snapback
is that
retort is a sharp or witty reply, or one which turns an argument against its originator; a comeback or
retort can be (chemistry) a flask with a rounded base and a long neck that is bent down and tapered, used to heat a liquid for distillation while
snapback is the reimposition of an earlier and usually higher tariff.
As a verb retort
is to say something sharp or witty in answer to a remark or accusation or
retort can be to heat in a retort.