17 Clever Comebacks to Shut Down a Highly-Opinionated Person
“Don’t raise your voice. Improve your argument.”— Desmond Tutu
Do you have conversations with highly opinionated people and feel like you are wading through a storm? They command conversations to draw out dissident opinions, often exasperating many others.
Here’s the secret—it’s not about “winning” the conversation but reclaiming your power and redirecting the discussion to benefit everyone. Below are 17 brilliant comebacks to help you gracefully fend off these types of encounters, both online and in person.
“I see your point, but have you considered [counterpoint]?”
This is a diplomatic phrase and inspires critical thinking. If you offer an alternative viewpoint, you invite them to question their assumptions. Curiosity first, confrontation second.
“We may not agree, but I respect your passion.”
This is a graceful way to disengage. They recognize your dedication and, at the same time, let you know you’re not looking to fight aimlessly. Negotiation experts say the key to keeping relationships is deescalating emotionally charged conversations.
“How do you usually see this play out in real life?”
It can strengthen their abstraction of rhetoric with practicality. Real-world scenarios force them to tie their ideas to actual results.
“Interesting perspective. And, What led you to that conclusion?”
This line brings them back into focus. Rather than bulldozing the conversation, they suddenly have to explain their position. Dartmouth College professor of psychological and brain sciences Thalia Wheatley says conversation puts our brains on the same page.
“Can we agree to disagree and move on?”
Walking away from unproductive debates doesn’t mean you’ve given up; it shows resilience. Research in conflict resolution leans towards agreeing to disagree and setting boundaries.
“What evidence supports that claim?”
A simple way to maintain credibility is to demand proof. Opinions are irrelevant; facts must be discussed, and data-driven conversation facilitates the most productive dialogue.
For instance, 67% of Americans want verifiable information in debates, according to a 2023 Pew Research Center survey.
“Now that’s one way of putting it. Another way is…”
Keep your reply different from the opposition. The American Psychological Association finds that reframing conversations—changing the conversation—often leads to greater mutual understanding, particularly when shifting points of view and putting shared goals front and center.
“I’m not sure that’s entirely accurate. Here’s why…”
Correcting misinformation shows others you know what you’re talking about without seeming confrontational. Use reference recent data or credible sources, and back up your point.
“Interesting. I’ve read (credible source) offering another view…”
Knowledge is power. Introducing expert research tactfully adds a bit of expertise, gets the conversation to pivot to facts, and helps to earn you that mojo of being an authority. Use articles, studies, or reports as your authority on this.
“I can hear that you’re upset about this. Why?”
Strong opinions usually have emotion behind them. You make the discussion human again and make people think about what they feel about their stance.
“Could there be two valid perspectives to this?”
Diffusing tension encourages open-mindedness. Language for collaboration shows respect for their point of view and invites them to consider other points of view.
“But hey, that may work for some people, here’s my take.”
This way, you personalize your response and don’t make a blank statement. Opinions that stem from first-hand experience are often less easily dismissed by others.
“I know where you’re coming from, but my experience with this differs.”
Empathy + personal experience is a bridge-building strategy. It is respect and authenticity together.
“You seem really invested in this topic—what makes it so important to you?”
It softens the dynamic of your genuine curiosity. Instead, it steers the conversation toward their reasons for identifying what they believe first.
“That’s one part of the puzzle. Have you considered the bigger picture?”
Sometimes, these perspectives are limited because they are just too narrow. If one expands the scope gently, they can reset the conversation.
“I’m receptive to seeing where we can go with this, but I’d like to know a little more first.”
It signals that you want to create a constructive dialogue. It doesn’t shift it to authority, i.e., to clarify things so you don’t dominate.
“I don’t think we are on the same page here, and that’s alright.”
Some debates have different values. Recognizing this cultivates mutual respect without demanding agreement.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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