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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of barb
The public rift between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk has widened, with the pair exchanging new barbs — just days after Musk departed the administration.
—
Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 5 June 2025
Deeb saved some of his harshest barbs for WLS-Ch. 7, which coincidentally became his future employer.
—Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2025
That living arrangement produces some friction and good-natured barbs, but Sybil, as played by Lavin, always leads with love and a generous spirit.
—Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025
Martin's well aware, and has no issues accepting and dismissing such barbs.
—Marco Della Cava, USA Today, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for barb
Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 5 June 2025
Deeb saved some of his harshest barbs for WLS-Ch. 7, which coincidentally became his future employer.
—Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2025
That living arrangement produces some friction and good-natured barbs, but Sybil, as played by Lavin, always leads with love and a generous spirit.
—Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025
Martin's well aware, and has no issues accepting and dismissing such barbs.
—Marco Della Cava, USA Today, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for barb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for barb
Noun
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These immigrants in Florida find Trump’s offer ‘an insult’ Many are skeptical.—
South Florida Sun Sentinel,
Sun Sentinel,
2 June 2025
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The master of appropriating insults just can’t do anything to make TACO his — Trump Always Cares Outstandingly just doesn’t have the same ring.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2025
Noun
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The tuna and oranges scene, which is famously our introduction to Rita’s sarcasm and her ability to eviscerate someone and be funny about it.—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
3 June 2025
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Comey laid out concerns that Steele's sarcasm and suggestions that Mia is lying are bordering on harassment and that Steele is adding to Mia's trauma.—
NBC News,
NBC news,
2 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Barb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/barb. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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