Synonyms of barbed

barbed

adjective

ˈbärbd 

as in satiric

marked by the use of wit that is intended to cause hurt feelings

barbed satire on American academia

Synonyms & Similar Words

• satiric
• sarcastic
• acidic
• acid
• biting
• caustic
• sardonic
• acerbic
• scathing
• sharp
• acrid
• mordant
• corrosive
• pungent
• cutting
• cynical
• ironic
• blunt
• acidulous
• tart
• snarky
• spiky
• harsh
• cross
• scalding
• smart-aleck
• smart-mouthed
• concise
• incisive
• trenchant
• smart-alecky
• acerb
• wry
• sour
• poignant
• brisk
• dry
• severe
• flippant
• curt
• pithy
• gruff
• vitriolic
• abrupt
• facetious
• sharp-tongued
• keen
• acrimonious
• bitter
• stringent
• brusque
• terse
• succinct
• resentful
• tongue-in-cheek
• sourish
• backhanded
• tartish
• snippy
• crisp
• insincere
• rough
• snippety

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• amusing
• playful
• mild
• gentle
• merry
• droll
• bland
• waggish
• diplomatic
• smooth
• sportive
• polite
• urbane
• good-natured
• cordial
• hospitable
• gracious
• good-humored
• affable
• genial
• suave
• sociable

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of barbed

Attorneys for the country music icon’s estate claimed Seaver covered his front porch in barbed wire and yellow caution tape, thus delaying the formal delivery of the suit. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 6 Oct. 2026

Their long, barbed tongues can easily wind into ant and termite homes, licking up the bugs inside. — Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 4 Oct. 2026

The state oversees different types of facilities for kids in the justice system, ranging in security level from group homes to prisons surrounded by barbed wire. — Paige Pfleger, ProPublica, 25 Sep. 2026

Which is to say, this is more a barbed comedy of manners than a proper, elegant period piece. — Will Harris, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2026