rib 1 of 2

noun

Definition of ribnext
1
as in parody
a work that imitates and exaggerates another work for comic effect the movie is a rib of the "dramatic love story" that was so popular in the 1950s

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in joke
something said or done to cause laughter began to lose his sense of humor after being the butt of his friends' ribs once too often

Synonyms & Similar Words

rib

2 of 2

verb

as in to tease
to make fun of in a good-natured way ribbed him a bit about fumbling such an easy play

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 rib
Noun
Quarterback goes to hospital Shanahan said Rourke, who exited the game with a rib injury in the second quarter, was sent by the team to the hospital to get examined further. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 14 Aug. 2026 Sample a little of everything by ordering The Trinity (a quarter pound each of sliced brisket, pork ribs and sausage, plus two sides) or the Texas Two-Step sandwich with brisket and sausage. — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
Lee ribbed the audience and watched as a case opened to reveal a miniature Cup. — Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026 Thanks to its sleeveless silhouette, the top feels lightweight and breathable on hot days, while ribbed knits and stretch cotton fabrics offer a comfortable, body-skimming fit without feeling restrictive. — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for rib
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rib
  1. parody
  2. joke
  3. tease
  4. spoof
  5. laugh
  6. kid
  7. satire
  8. joking
Noun
  • These polyester fits have also been parodied in video skits, where comedians put on an all-over polyester print outfit, like a wolf T-shirt and galaxy pants, and parody the stereotypical nerdy kid.
    — Rachel Hale, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The series, which featured elaborate original musical numbers ranging from Broadway parodies to pop pastiches, earned Bloom a Golden Globe for best actress in a television comedy or musical as well as an Emmy and Critics’ Choice Award.
    — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of parody
Noun
  • There are moments, say at a fan’s family home in Casablanca, when a joke gets lost in translation.
    — Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Aug. 2026
  • And then there’s the Ren Faire episode, where a McPoyle brothers’ cameo portends a closing joke so distressing my innocent little brain rejected all the warnings of its arrival.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of joke
Verb
  • The duo took to the stage during the event and addressed the crowd in character to tease the plot of the upcoming sequel, per USA Today.
    — Meg Walters, InStyle, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The film also stars Sadie Sink, who attended Disney’s D23 fan celebration Friday as the studio teased its X-Men plans.
    — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of tease
Noun
  • The actor's limited screen time, primarily relegated to head-nodding and offering reassurance to Odysseus, has sparked memes on social media, including a Kratos spoof of her character.
    — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Spaceballs saw Moranis as Lord Dark Helmet, the villainous spoof of Star Wars’ iconic villain Darth Vader.
    — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of spoof
Noun
  • Their friendship was one of many laughs, songs and adventures.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Lifeson was roaming the stage, trying to make the new drummer laugh.
    — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of laugh
Verb
  • What everyday skills should kids practice before the first week of school?
    — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Running under the surface of the film is the anxiety that kids his age are lucky to secure any job, even one as low-paying and exploitative as Erika’s studio assistant.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
Definition of kid
Noun
  • These 2026 debuts are everywhere, especially the tradwife satire by Caro Claire Burke, which has sold more than a million copies since its April release.
    — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The episode underscores how California candidates in both parties are rushing to the bleeding edge of generative AI, from cinematic deepfake-style attack ads to meme-ready political satire.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of satire
Noun
  • Back in December 1968, Dolan wrote a joking column about the earlier Lake Worth monster, from way back in 1947.
    — Star-Telegram staff, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 July 2026
  • Oh, but the Padres manager was ready with the joking last night.
    — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 June 2026
Definition of joking

Browse Nearby Words

riatas
rib
ribald
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Cite this Entry

“Rib.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rib. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on rib

Nglish: Translation of rib for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rib

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