18 Clever Comebacks for When Someone Is Trying to Gaslight You
Dealing with a gaslighter is no easy feat. Gaslighters twist reality, sow seeds of doubt, and try to make you question your own perspective.
Standing up to their manipulation can be challenging, but sometimes a snappy comeback is the best way to assert yourself and shake their confidence. Here are 18 snarky but clever responses that can help you keep your cool while showing the gaslighter you’re not falling for their tricks.
“Oh, I must have forgotten that you know everything!”

This response highlights their habit of controlling the narrative. It subtly mocks their arrogance without giving them much to argue with.
“I didn’t realize I hired you as my personal reality editor.”

This remark calls out their attempt to reshape your version of events. It shows that you’re not buying into their rewriting of reality.
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“Thanks, but I trust my own memory.”

A simple yet assertive response, this reminds the gaslighter that you don’t need their input to recall what happened.
“I’m glad you know my thoughts better than I do.”

This response points out the absurdity of their behavior. It puts the spotlight back on them, showing how overbearing they’re being.
“Is this the part where I’m supposed to believe you?”

A sarcastic line that hints at your awareness of their manipulation, it lets them know that you’re onto their tactics.
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“If I wanted an alternate reality, I’d watch a movie.”

This comeback humorously deflects their attempt to alter your perception. It’s lighthearted but firmly rooted in reality.
“Are you projecting again?”

Direct and to the point, this response implies that they’re the ones struggling with their own issues, not you.
“Interesting. That’s not how I remember it at all.”

This line quietly asserts your own memory and perspective, denying them the satisfaction of having the last word on your experience.
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“Wow, it must be exhausting being right all the time.”

A sarcastic jab that subtly highlights their need to dominate, it’s a gentle reminder that their perspective isn’t the only one that matters.
“Thanks, but I don’t need a fact-checker.”

This lets the gaslighter know you’re confident in your understanding of the situation without coming across as overly confrontational.
“Oh, so now you’re a mind reader too?”

Pointing out their habit of telling you what you think or feel, this line shows that you’re aware of their overreach and won’t be controlled.
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“I’ll stick to my version of reality, but thanks.”

This dismissive line sets a boundary. You’re politely refusing to engage with their distorted version of events.
“Are you rewriting history again?”

This calls out their tendency to twist the past, gently but firmly questioning their credibility without needing to raise your voice.
“I’m sure that’s true…in your world.”

This response suggests that they live in a different reality without completely dismissing their perspective, making it a clever yet indirect rebuttal.
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“Your imagination really is something.”

A subtly snarky way to question their narrative, this line casts doubt on their version of events without outright saying they’re lying.
“Funny, my memory doesn’t match yours.”

This comment challenges the gaslighter’s account without creating a full-blown argument, making it an effective way to assert your perspective.
“Is that really how you see it?”

A simple question that forces them to consider their own perspective. It opens up the conversation without conceding any ground.
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“Maybe you should write fiction!”

A humorous jab, this one suggests that their version of reality is far from accurate. It’s lighthearted yet communicates your awareness of their manipulation.
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