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

As Democrats celebrated a sweeping midterm victory, some of the country's wealthiest donors traded barbs over record election spending. — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026

The barbs were not-so-subtle assaults on Talarico’s manhood, the latest manifestation of the link between meat and masculinity. — Gabe Hiatt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Nov. 2026

Campaign cash has become a flashpoint in the bitter race, with candidates and their allies trading barbs over the influence of special interests. — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026

As Tuesday’s election barrels toward them, Becerra and Hilton traded barbs and barnstormed California in a relatively sedate race to succeed Democrat Gavin Newsom, who is wrapping up his final term as governor and considering a run for president. — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026

Five days ago, the two exchanged barbs and accusations in a debate on TV Band. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026

The series was thick with pop-culture barbs, including ahead-of-the-curve digs at Kevin Spacey. — Dan Stahl, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026

As Polly needles her daughter, Brooke — a liberal Long Island novelist, played by Rabe, whose upcoming memoir promises to surface painful family secrets — the barbs start to draw blood. — Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026

After responding to their most visible attacks, the two candidates traded barbs over a slew of policy issues, including health care, prescription drug prices, tariffs and the ongoing war with Iran. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026