Synonyms of barb

barb

noun

ˈbärb 

as in insult

an act or expression showing scorn and usually intended to hurt another's feelings

delivered one last barb to his ex-girlfriend as he stalked away

Synonyms & Similar Words

• insult
• sarcasm
• outrage
• dart
• indignity
• epithet
• slap
• slur
• poke
• attack
• brickbat
• affront
• slight
• name
• personality
• dis
• offense
• taunt
• criticism
• gibe
• put-down
• disgrace
• cut
• gird
• invective
• sneer
• vituperation
• dig
• quip
• abuse
• jeer
• shame
• mock
• disapproval
• swipe
• opprobrium
• catcall
• dishonor
• torture
• knock
• torment
• slam

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• compliment
• praise
• commendation
• applause
• acclaim
• flattery
• accolade
• adulation

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of barb

In a year where everything Skubal does has been fair game for discussion and discord, the barbs surrounding the WBC still have not faded. — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 22 July 2026

In his season of DWTS, Irwin opened up about navigating grief after the death of his father Steve Irwin, who died in 2006 after being pierced by a stingray barb. — Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026

Rattlesnake master, a native prairie plant, has long, thin, stiff leaves with barbs along the entire margin. — Sheryl Devore, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2026

Its backward-facing barbs resemble overlapping tiles on a roof. — Philip Anderson, The Conversation, 8 July 2026