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

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
The This Is Us actress stopped by the Not Gonna Lie podcast and told host Kylie Kelce that her singer hubby recently fibbed about watching the film to a friend. Daysia Tolentino, EW.com, 20 July 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for fib
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fib
Noun
  • There, a mad, out-of-control Mary lives on as tenaciously as George Washington’s inability to tell a lie.
    Thomas Mallon, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • As their lies unravel, Nora and Jack try to outsmart one another.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • The parallels between Ines’ dilemma and that of a nation being asked to lick its wounds in silence — in the name of moving on from past miseries — are present but elusive.
    Jessica Kiang, Variety, 14 May 2026
  • At one point A’zion licks the digitally de-aged Mick Jagger’s face.
    Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • Distiller Théron Regnier and beverage director Hope Ewing lead guests through cocktails made with experimental spirits, while a host shares tales, legends and histories behind the ingredients and flavors.
    Kaila Yu, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
  • Unfortunately, this is a two-part tale.
    Sam McDowell Updated May 22, Kansas City Star, 22 May 2026
Verb
  • Perhaps the best example of that is how much Ware has been utilized in zone defense, an approach that some might contend is hiding the 2024 first-round pick from the direct challenges of his position.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 23 May 2026
  • Metal-poor stars are often associated with ancient dwarf galaxies, which the Milky Way might have consumed over time to grow to its current massive state — and remnants of these cosmic meals might be hiding deep within the galaxy.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 23 May 2026
Noun
  • But two groups work tirelessly to tell Free Frank’s story — his descendants, spread widely across the country, and a small group of local residents who form the New Philadelphia Association.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2026
  • Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE'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.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026
Verb
  • However, in the fifth minute of stoppage time, Yu Hirakawa whipped in a cross from the left and Boro goalkeeper Sol Brynn could only push it into the path of McBurnie, who lashed it into the empty net from close range.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 May 2026
  • In response, the president defended the fund and lashed out at its critics.
    Ana Ceballos Follow, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
Verb
  • Ukraine has been pounding Russian oil facilities in an effort to deny Moscow funding for its invasion.
    Dan Bashakov, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
  • Rain pounds down in a stinging curtain.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 22 May 2026
Verb
  • Ephemera is so often illustrative of the inner life of a character, a direct, beating correlative of the contents of their hearts.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
  • The race in San Diego County has unnerved other Democrats, who saw Issa as easier to beat than a fresh GOP candidate — but aren’t always sure what to think about Campar-Najjar.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 19 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fib.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fib. Accessed 25 May. 2026.

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