barbed

1 of 2

adjective

ˈbärbd 

1

: having barbs

2

: characterized by pointed and biting criticism or sarcasm

barbed witticisms

barbed

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of barb entry 2

Synonyms of barbed

Adjective

• satiric
• sarcastic
• acidic
• acid
• biting

Examples of barbed in a Sentence

Adjective

The candidates exchanged barbed comments during the debate.

barbed satire on American academia

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The documentary is more workmanlike than inspired, although Osder and Youmans ensure that its title has a deeper, barbed meaning. — Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026

Palestinian activist Eid Hatlin said barbed wire in the yard was placed by settlers. — Daniel Estrin, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026

Meanwhile, North Korea has been adding mines, barbed wire fences, tactical roads, anti-tank walls and other fortifications to what's already one of the world's most heavily armed borders. — Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026

North Korea has been adding mines, barbed wire fences, anti-tank barriers and other fortifications to what’s already one of the world’s most heavily armed borders as Kim Jong Un pushes a hard line toward Seoul. — ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing barbed

• barbed wire

Rhymes for barbed

• garbed