fib 1 of 3

Definition of fibnext

fib

2 of 3

verb (1)

fib

3 of 3

verb (2)

British

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb fib differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of fib are equivocate, lie, palter, and prevaricate. While all these words mean "to tell an untruth," fib applies to a telling of a trivial untruth.

fibbed about the price of the new suit

When might equivocate be a better fit than fib?

The synonyms equivocate and fib are sometimes interchangeable, but equivocate implies using words having more than one sense so as to seem to say one thing but intend another.

equivocated endlessly in an attempt to mislead her inquisitors

When is lie a more appropriate choice than fib?

While the synonyms lie and fib are close in meaning, lie is the blunt term, imputing dishonesty.

lied about where he had been

Where would palter be a reasonable alternative to fib?

The words palter and fib are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, palter implies making unreliable statements of fact or intention or insincere promises.

a swindler paltering with his investors

How are the words prevaricate and lie related as synonyms of fib?

Prevaricate softens the bluntness of lie by implying quibbling or confusing the issue.

during the hearings the witness did his best to prevaricate

How does the verb fib differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of fib are equivocate, lie, palter, and prevaricate. While all these words mean "to tell an untruth," fib applies to a telling of a trivial untruth.

fibbed about the price of the new suit

When might equivocate be a better fit than fib?

The synonyms equivocate and fib are sometimes interchangeable, but equivocate implies using words having more than one sense so as to seem to say one thing but intend another.

equivocated endlessly in an attempt to mislead her inquisitors

When is lie a more appropriate choice than fib?

While the synonyms lie and fib are close in meaning, lie is the blunt term, imputing dishonesty.

lied about where he had been

Where would palter be a reasonable alternative to fib?

The words palter and fib are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, palter implies making unreliable statements of fact or intention or insincere promises.

a swindler paltering with his investors

How are the words prevaricate and lie related as synonyms of fib?

Prevaricate softens the bluntness of lie by implying quibbling or confusing the issue.

during the hearings the witness did his best to prevaricate

How does the verb fib differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of fib are equivocate, lie, palter, and prevaricate. While all these words mean "to tell an untruth," fib applies to a telling of a trivial untruth.

fibbed about the price of the new suit

When might equivocate be a better fit than fib?

The synonyms equivocate and fib are sometimes interchangeable, but equivocate implies using words having more than one sense so as to seem to say one thing but intend another.

equivocated endlessly in an attempt to mislead her inquisitors

When is lie a more appropriate choice than fib?

While the synonyms lie and fib are close in meaning, lie is the blunt term, imputing dishonesty.

lied about where he had been

Where would palter be a reasonable alternative to fib?

The words palter and fib are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, palter implies making unreliable statements of fact or intention or insincere promises.

a swindler paltering with his investors

How are the words prevaricate and lie related as synonyms of fib?

Prevaricate softens the bluntness of lie by implying quibbling or confusing the issue.

during the hearings the witness did his best to prevaricate

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of fib
Noun
Ventricular fibrillation, also known as V-fib, is an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that causes a person's lower heart chambers to race and affects their ability to pump blood, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Terry Collins, USA Today, 13 Nov. 2025 Fishel was eventually able to coax Adler to admit that his fib was merely a child's angry rationalization, born out of hurt, of their beloved parent suddenly receding from their daily life. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Nov. 2025
Verb
Mexican, Chinese, Cuban restaurants, a Jersey Mike’s, a Sawgrass Mills eatery and a golf club restaurant that seems to have fibbed about why it was closed comprise the return of the Sick and Shut Down List. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 26 June 2025 Jax, on the other hand, is well known for fighting, fibbing, and all the other words that start with F, including fornicating, filibustering, failing, and face-planting. Brian Moylan, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fib
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fib
Noun
  • In an interview with The Times, Sid confessed that the whole thing was a lie concocted by a publicist in the 1940s.
    Anabel Sosa, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026
  • And from that data, the airliner learned that 97 percent of fliers said the lie-flat bed was their reason for flying in Delta One.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • His plays — rife with exploration of deep humanity and emotion — provide not just a framework for hanging many different worlds upon his words, but also the kind of complex characters and twisted tales that actors and filmmakers crave, whether tragedy, romance or comedy.
    Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The affable comedian and improv star is known for a self-deprecating brand of humor that leans into storytelling, audience interaction and behind-the-scenes tales from the long-running hit show.
    Travis Pinson, Dallas Morning News, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
    Joyann Jeffrey, PEOPLE, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Her supporters, including Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison, a family friend, decried her alleged detainment, and her story sparked outcry and protests.
    Victor Jacobo, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fib.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fib. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.

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