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

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

The train station hulked behind barbed wire, abandoned for years, both witness to and eight million bricks’ worth of evidence of Detroit's near-collapse. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026

After a decree by the Volkskammer, East German soldiers began installing a barbed wire barrier through Berlin. — USA Today, 28 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing barbed

• barbed wire

Rhymes for barbed

• garbed