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
Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 4 June 2026
He was hospitalized for 11 days with numerous injuries, including a hemopneumothorax, a liver laceration and a shattered rib and has dealt with additional complications.
—Finch Walker, USA Today, 2 June 2026
Jenavieve Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2026
For a decadent splurge, try this Poetry cashmere ribbed top instead in ivory.
—Amanda Eyre Ward, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rib
Noun
The manager mentioned that the imaging will be in Judge’s rib/chest area.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 4 June 2026
He was hospitalized for 11 days with numerous injuries, including a hemopneumothorax, a liver laceration and a shattered rib and has dealt with additional complications.
—Finch Walker, USA Today, 2 June 2026
Verb
Due to its design, fluted (or ribbed) drinkware is perfect for entertaining and looks beautiful on any table.
—Jenavieve Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2026
For a decadent splurge, try this Poetry cashmere ribbed top instead in ivory.
—Amanda Eyre Ward, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rib
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rib
Noun
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The ebullient parody’s obvious antecedent is Airplane!—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
1 June 2026
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Federal law protects certain uses of a celebrity’s image and likeness in cases involving parody, criticism, commentary and news reporting.—
Daryl Lim,
Fortune,
30 May 2026
Noun
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And yet, Chisholm’s chat with Fallon sparked some jokes and blowback after the host asked the colorful character what the Yankees’ ultimate goal is this season.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
4 June 2026
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The majority of the jokes come off as more asserted than delighted.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
4 June 2026
Verb
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In a new interview with People, Cipriano teased what viewers can expect of the Logan and Grace storyline.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
31 May 2026
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The Beats brand is no stranger to using high-profile sports stars to tease new releases.—
Will McCurdy,
PC Magazine,
31 May 2026
Noun
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Prior to his work on Valerie, Storm hopped over to feature films to direct the vampire movie spoof Once Bitten, which starred the then-up-and-coming actor Jim Carrey opposite Lauren Hutton.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
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There would be more scripted and carefully choreographed moments in his TV spots for Calvin Klein jeans and Obsession, collaborations with the writer Doon Arbus (daughter of Diane and Allan Arbus) that took chances (and which, for some viewers, are inseparable from memorable spoofs on SNL).—
Sheri Linden,
HollywoodReporter,
17 May 2026
Noun
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The quest to find the better joke, the stronger laugh—that’s reason enough to keep on living.—
Michael Schulman,
New Yorker,
29 May 2026
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These people had huge laughs Thursday morning over their airport Bloody Marys after realizing their words were treated as if serious.—
Joe Rexrode,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
Verb
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And even while kidding, Kupp couldn’t help but say out loud what many Rams followers are thinking.—
Steve Henson,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
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For children ages four and up, there’s the Adventure Zone kids club with indoor slides and arts and crafts, while fish feeding and guided nature walks happen at the Eco Centre.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Noun
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The actress walks the show’s fine line between drama and satire perfectly, never seeming to take the occasion too seriously but also refusing to smirk at the camera.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
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That conversation was largely deferred in favor of satire, intended or not.—
Joe Rexrode,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
Noun
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Sometimes a playful comment, an unexpected reply or a joking callout between brands takes on a life of its own online.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
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Despite that underlying tension, kids play on the street outside while the large family has a dynamic like any other — noisily squabbling, joking, or in the case of the matriarchal grandmother, Mariam (Hiam Abbass), preparing a meal in a kitchen plagued by constant utility outages.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rib.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rib. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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