as in insult
an act or expression showing scorn and usually intended to hurt another's feelings
delivered one last barb to his ex-girlfriend as he stalked away
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of barb
But the barbs are often partisan.
—
Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 12 Sep. 2025
The barbs were frequently aimed at the gruff owner of Mel’s Diner played by the late Vic Tayback.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2025
Democratic and Republican leaders have traded barbs over whom or what is to blame in this case — and for violence nationwide.
—Holly Yan, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
Coel, the boundary-pushing revelation from I May Destroy You, is a perfect foil, hiding Lori’s feelings behind her deadpan delivery, unblinking sphinx-like stare and wary body language but poised to shoot barbs when the moment calls for them.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for barb
Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 12 Sep. 2025
The barbs were frequently aimed at the gruff owner of Mel’s Diner played by the late Vic Tayback.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2025
Democratic and Republican leaders have traded barbs over whom or what is to blame in this case — and for violence nationwide.
—Holly Yan, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
Coel, the boundary-pushing revelation from I May Destroy You, is a perfect foil, hiding Lori’s feelings behind her deadpan delivery, unblinking sphinx-like stare and wary body language but poised to shoot barbs when the moment calls for them.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for barb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for barb
Noun
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During the speech, however, Kemp periodically deviated from building up Astra to hurling insults at several of his competitors in the launch industry.—
Eric Berger,
ArsTechnica,
25 Sep. 2025
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And as if a constant stream of social media vitriol wasn’t enough of an insult to the venerable lawns, they are subjected to constant meteorological insults as well.—
Paul Cappiello,
Louisville Courier Journal,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The decision in Gardner’s favor could become a significant ruling for celebrities who use humor, exaggeration and sarcasm that some might find inappropriate when responding to strangers on social media platforms.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
25 Sep. 2025
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However, the sarcasm was lost on younger social media users who claimed to attempt it.—
Ashleigh N. DeLuca,
Parents,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Barb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/barb. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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