to ask again; to repeat one's question
to ask back; to ask in return; to counter
生徒は先生に静かに問い返した。
The student quietly asked the teacher back.
証人は弁護士の言葉に思わず問い返してしまった。
The witness couldn't help but ask the lawyer back about his statement.
彼は問い返す余裕もなかった。
He didn't even have the composure to ask back.