barbed

adjective

ˈbärbd 

1

: having barbs

2

: characterized by pointed and biting criticism or sarcasm

barbed witticisms

Synonyms of barbed

• satiric
• sarcastic
• acidic
• acid
• biting

Examples of barbed in a Sentence

The candidates exchanged barbed comments during the debate.

barbed satire on American academia

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead of trying to locate bears in the wild, the survey relies on hair samples collected in barbed wire traps, which can be used to identify individual bears based on their DNA. — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026

My coffee table is made of aluminum and resembles barbed wire. — Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026

To simulate thwarting advances by enemy forces using the bridge, soldiers erected layers of barriers and rolled barbed wire. — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

Another drone created a smoke screen while still more blasted through triple-layered barbed wire. — Anna Mulrine Grobe, Christian Science Monitor, 31 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing barbed

• barbed wire

Rhymes for barbed

• garbed