"Returned fire" refers to the act of responding to an attack with gunfire. There are several synonyms that can be used to describe this action, such as "counterattack," "retaliate," "fire back," "shoot back," "return gunfire," "answer fire," and "respond with force." These words are commonly used in military and law enforcement contexts, where the use of firearms is often necessary. Additionally, these words can also be used in a broader sense to describe responding to any form of attack or aggression, such as in a verbal argument or negotiation. Regardless of the context, the use of these synonyms conveys a sense of forceful response to adversity.