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

If the tuft is real feathers, with barbs around a shaft, Gonzo sits on the lineage that produced theropod dinosaurs—two-legged carnivores like Tyrannosaurus—and eventually birds. — Niranjana Rajalakshmi, Popular Science, 24 Sep. 2026

The barbs in this race have become deeply personal, with anti-Muslim rhetoric taking center stage. — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026

The sheriff’s office said its investigation is ongoing, as the case draws national attention and political barbs. — Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2026

Yes, those were the simpler days of television — when fast cars, alternating love interests, and witty barbs were more than enough to keep us entertained. — Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Sep. 2026

Issues that divided the candidates Ahern and Hoffmann traded barbs throughout the run-up, with Ahern faulting Hoffmann for contributing $550,000 to his campaign and for not serving as a frontline prosecutor on major narcotics or capital cases. — Katie Mulvaney, The Providence Journal, 10 Sep. 2026

In the years that followed, the brothers became estranged, regularly trading barbs in the press and on social media. — Sophie Williams, Billboard, 10 Sep. 2026

Officials from both governments have traded barbs in recent weeks over whether China has been inappropriately stealing AI trade secrets. — Kevin Collier, NBC news, 8 Sep. 2026

Asked about the rivalry Tuesday, McDonald said the Crips and Bloods in Compton were peaceful before Bad Boy and Death Row started trading barbs. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2026