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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rib
Ella Gonzales
march 10, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Mar. 2026
In Week 2, Tagovailoa fractured his ribs and would spend the next three games on injured reserve.
—Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026
Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
The look is already dominating our feeds, and ribbed-glass nails also made a runway appearance during New York Fashion Week.
—Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rib
Noun
Anyone can find something on the menu of salads, burgers and ribs.
—Ella Gonzales
march 10, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Mar. 2026
In Week 2, Tagovailoa fractured his ribs and would spend the next three games on injured reserve.
—Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
With four-way stretch and a weighty drape, it’s designed to feel like peach fuzz and stay in place with its wide waistband that’s ribbed on the inside.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
The look is already dominating our feeds, and ribbed-glass nails also made a runway appearance during New York Fashion Week.
—Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rib
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rib
Noun
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Countless memes and parodies have circulated online.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
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The Hollywood parody has one-liners and sight gags for days with every bit zanier and more elaborate than the one before.—
Rachel Simon,
Vulture,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Its massive size even became the subject of a joke in the film High Society, in which the actress chose to wear her real-life ring instead of a prop one.—
Bailey Bujnosek,
InStyle,
12 Mar. 2026
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My sister got these jokes and these hands.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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This extension is a credit to Davis, who teased with talent during his first three seasons before becoming a consistent force in 2025.—
Zach Berman,
New York Times,
8 Mar. 2026
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The footage teases high-octane action, sharp dialogue, and moments designed to ignite audience reactions.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Sandgaard hung a large banner on the fourth floor, a spoof of a popular George Washington meme in which the Zynex founder is holding a machine gun in one hand, a bald eagle perched on his other arm.—
Sam Tabachnik,
Denver Post,
5 Mar. 2026
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This week's season 18 edition (which was filmed in 2025) featured the queens preparing to star in Fannie, a Rusical spoof of the classic Annie stage production.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But all is not lost for those needing a laugh at Noem’s expense, or at the expense of the department, for that matter.—
Lorraine Ali
News,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
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In the background of one verse, Yebba lets out a bellowing laugh.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Download a map and a donut passport or contact the donut concierge—I’m not kidding—who can customize your itinerary.—
Allison Tibaldi,
USA Today,
10 Mar. 2026
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Can't kid yourselves about what's right and wrong.—
Todd Feurer,
CBS News,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The job title and description already sound like the basis for a villainous political satire, without even trying.—
Lorraine Ali
News,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Stiller played Tugg Speedman in the 2008 satire.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Lindsay says that Jesse was serious about asking, but that the make-out would be a joking make-out.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
4 Mar. 2026
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The women’s team declined their joking invitation and had to explain comments directed at them.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
28 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rib.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rib. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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