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

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

During a 30-minute candidate forum on May 14 on Arizona PBS, Kolodin and Swoboda traded barbs about each other’s background and their work on ensuring election integrity. — Josh Meyer, USA Today, 21 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

At the end of the first season, when Rhaenyra’s son Lucerys visits Storm’s End to petition House Baratheon to join their cause, he and Alicent’s second son, Aemond, trade barbs. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

The candidates in the crowded field have traded barbs about Bores’ supposed ties to Big Tech and outside groups have poured millions into the race both supporting and opposing his proposals to regulate artificial intelligence. — Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 20 June 2026

Always check the rules in conservation trout water and be prepared to mash barbs or swap your treble hooks with single hooks to stay compliant. — Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 17 June 2026