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

These prickly hairs are for protection, with barbed ends that easily penetrate the skin of predators or your hand. — Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026

The confrontation between father and daughter, in which Taylor-Joy unloads Lucky’s resentments about growing up in the life, is one of the season’s most barbed moments. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 15 July 2026

But his view of Adrian’s methods, goals, and way of life end up making the bond of mentorship both tenuous and barbed. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 10 July 2026

Meanwhile, McGrew agreed to adjustments, including adding baffles to reduce sound from a attached generator for the tower and replacing tower fencing that incorporated barbed wire with taller, more natural looking fencing. — Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026