gibe

verb

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\ ˈjīb

variants: or jibe

gibed or jibed; gibing or jibing

Definition of gibe

intransitive verb

: to utter taunting words

transitive verb

: to deride or tease with taunting words boxers gibing each other before a fight

Other Words from gibe Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Did you know? More Example Sentences Learn More About gibe

Choose the Right Synonym for gibe

scoff, jeer, gibe, fleer, sneer, flout mean to show one's contempt in derision or mockery. scoff stresses insolence, disrespect, or incredulity as motivating the derision. scoffed at their concerns jeer suggests a coarser more undiscriminating derision. the crowd jeered at the prisoners gibe implies taunting either good-naturedly or in sarcastic derision. hooted and gibed at the umpire fleer suggests grinning or grimacing derisively. the saucy jackanapes fleered at my credulity sneer stresses insulting by contemptuous facial expression, phrasing, or tone of voice. sneered at anything romantic flout stresses contempt shown by refusal to heed. flouted the conventions of polite society

Did you know?

Confused about jibe and gibe? The distinction actually isn't as clear-cut as some commentators would like it to be. Jibe is used both for the verb meaning "to be in accord" or "agree" (as in "the results do not jibe with those from other studies") and for the nautical verb and noun referring to the act of shifting a sail from one side to the other ("jibe the mainsail," "a risky jibe in heavy seas"). Gibe is used as a verb and noun for derisive teasing or taunting. But jibe is also a recognized variant of gibe, so it too has teasing or taunting uses. Gibe has been used occasionally as a variant of jibe, but the use is not common enough to warrant dictionary entry, and is widely considered an error.

Examples of gibe in a Sentence

teammates gibing each other when one fouls up an important play

Recent Examples on the Web But the Space Force decision was announced six months ago, and suggesting it’s at fault for the New Glenn delay doesn’t gibe with Blue’s previous statements. — Tim Fernholz, Quartz, 26 Feb. 2021

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