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barbed

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adjective \ ˈbärbd \

Definition of barbed

1 :having barbs
2 :characterized by pointed and biting criticism or sarcasm
  • barbed witticisms

See barbed defined for English-language learners

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Examples of barbed in a Sentence

  1. The candidates exchanged barbed comments during the debate.

  2. barbed satire on American academia

Recent Examples of barbed from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'barbed.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of barbed

1611

barbed Synonyms

Synonyms
acerb, acerbic, acid, acidic, acidulous, acrid, sarcastic, biting, caustic, corrosive, cutting, mordant, pungent, sardonic, satiric (or satirical), scalding, scathing, sharp, smart-aleck, smart-alecky, smart-mouthed, snarky, tart
Related Words
brisk, cross, sharp-tongued, sour, sourish, spiky (also spikey), tartish; incisive, keen, poignant, trenchant; cynical, dry, ironic (also ironical), wry; facetious, flippant, tongue-in-cheek; acrimonious, bitter, resentful, vitriolic; harsh, rough, severe, stringent; abrupt, blunt, brusque (also brusk), concise, crisp, curt, gruff, pithy, snippety, snippy, succinct, terse; backhanded, insincere
Near Antonyms
amusing, droll, merry, playful, sportive, waggish; gentle, mild; bland; good-humored, good-natured; diplomatic, polite, smooth, suave, urbane; affable, cordial, genial, gracious, hospitable, sociable

BARBED Defined for English Language Learners

barbed

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adjective

Definition of barbed for English Language Learners

  • : having a sharp point that sticks out and backward from a larger point : having a barb

  • : expressing criticism in an unkind and often clever way

Learn More about barbed

  1. Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for barbed Spanish Central: Translation of barbed Nglish: Translation of barbed for Spanish speakers

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Examples: barbed in a Sentence