Synonyms of barbs

barbs

noun

plural of barb

as in insults

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

• insults
• sarcasms
• outrages
• indignities
• epithets
• darts
• slights
• brickbats
• slurs
• pokes
• attacks
• affronts
• slaps
• personalities
• names
• digs
• offenses
• put-downs
• taunts
• gibes
• girds
• criticisms
• cuts
• dises
• invectives
• jeers
• sneers
• disgraces
• quips
• vituperations
• catcalls
• abuses
• mocks
• swipes
• shames
• disapprovals
• tortures
• torments
• knocks
• opprobriums
• slams
• dishonors

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• compliments
• commendations
• accolades
• praises
• acclaim
• flatteries
• applauses
• adulations

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of barbs

More recently, the legal battles became the subject of barbs and jokes as comedian Bill Maher accepted the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in late June. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

Shapiro and Owens have traded increasingly nasty barbs in recent months, with Shapiro attacking Owens over the conspiracy theories she’s promoted about Charlie Kirk’s assassination and Owens likewise punching back. — Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026

The two have repeatedly clashed over immigration, tariffs, taxes, crime, homelessness, wildfire recovery, transgender policies, and the role of the federal government, often trading barbs on social media and in public appearances. — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 4 Aug. 2026

The Democratic opponents have traded barbs over spending from pro-Israel groups, including after a contentious July 27 debate. — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026

But maybe Wilson’s most pointed barbs are reserved for Nolan’s screenwriting. — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 27 July 2026

In a year where everything Skubal does has been fair game for discussion and discord, the barbs surrounding the WBC still have not faded. — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Rattlesnake master, a native prairie plant, has long, thin, stiff leaves with barbs along the entire margin. — Sheryl Devore, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2026

Its backward-facing barbs resemble overlapping tiles on a roof. — Philip Anderson, The Conversation, 8 July 2026