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

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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

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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
Inhale through your nose and fill your lower ribs and belly with air, then slowly exhale through your mouth. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 4 Sep. 2026 The broken rib indicates that Scotty likely succumbed to injuries sustained during a dinosaur brawl. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 Sep. 2026
Verb
Its vintage ribbed texture and matching glass tray impart a homey but modern feel to any kitchen. — Clara Hillis, Architectural Digest, 18 Aug. 2026 This cotton coverlet fits the bill, thanks to its lightweight cotton make, and ribbing adds dimension to the otherwise plain set. — Better Homes & Gardens, 27 July 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
  • This magazine, established in 1955, publishes lighthearted parodies of academic literature, bogus scientific studies, and satirical commentary on absurd research.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The order, which directs federal officials to formalize the name change within 30 days, quickly sparked backlash, jokes and parody proposals.
    — Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of parody
Noun
  • And honestly, that’s kind of the best joke there is — some classic America’s Funniest Home Videos type stuff.
    — Maria Bamford, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Sumaila has a running joke about it, borrowed from an old British comedy about a heist gone wrong.
    — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of joke
Verb
  • The Belgian talent’s move to dress Kidman for the premiere is the latest in a string of designers who have opted to tease their vision at a new fashion house through red carpet appearances ahead of the official reveal.
    — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2026
  • At the time, Earle only teased her potential response to Cooper, but has publicly remained mostly silent about the conflict until now.
    — Jodi Guglielmi, Rolling Stone, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of tease
Noun
  • There’s even a microdrama spoof series launching, from Abominable Pictures’ Stern, called My Billionaire Kidney.
    — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Co-written by Marla Mindelle, Constantine Rousouli and director Tye Blue, the gloriously unhinged spoof has been packed with pop culture references, internet jokes and Easter eggs since its Off-Broadway debut in 2022.
    — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of spoof
Noun
  • O’Connell appeared to joke about the marathon applause with Boyle, prompting laughs from his co-stars Claire Foy and Pearce.
    — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Its format — multi-cam, laugh-tracked, with the occasional fourth-wall-breaking aside — is one that would have been in vogue when Martin originally aired.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 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
  • Jim McBride’s David Holzman’s Diary (1967), a metafictional satire of cineéma veériteé, is called by some the first modern mockumentary.
    — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Sep. 2026
  • In 1995, Steinem made a guest appearance on the talk-show satire series starring Garry Shandling and Jeffrey Tambor.
    — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of satire
Noun
  • Indeed, at lunch, instead of separating into groups to eat, all 16 participants form one mega table and spend the half-hour joking and laughing together.
    — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Many readers — some likely joking — shared their grievances with Elmo.
    — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 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 8 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on rib

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rib

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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