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
Jennifer Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
Victor Wembanyama was ruled out for the second half of the San Antonio Spurs’ matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers after suffering a left rib contusion.
—Jared Weiss, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2026
Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 15 Mar. 2026
Its high-neck design and ribbed hem and cuffs combine classic Irish texture and elegance that also keeps you toasty while walking from pub to pub.
—Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rib
Noun
With a location in Chicago’s Old Irving Park neighborhood since 2006, Smoque BBQ is a neighborhood bar and restaurant serving barbecue ribs, brisket and pulled pork.
—Jennifer Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
Victor Wembanyama was ruled out for the second half of the San Antonio Spurs’ matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers after suffering a left rib contusion.
—Jared Weiss, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
Meanwhile, light ribbing on the sides gives your fingers extra grip, and that feature extends down to the wing, where your right thumb will rest.
—Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 15 Mar. 2026
Its high-neck design and ribbed hem and cuffs combine classic Irish texture and elegance that also keeps you toasty while walking from pub to pub.
—Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rib
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rib
Noun
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American Vandal is a true-crime parody that sees two teenagers investigate juvenile offenses like graffiti with all the seriousness of Making a Murderer.—
Andrew Walsh,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Apr. 2026
-
From 2010 to 2015, Freeman starred in the parody reality show Pretty the Series as Ribina Champagne.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Horner seemed calm and articulate and also made inappropriate jokes during the interview, Espinoza said.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Apr. 2026
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Yet, the three — even Cavallari and Conrad, who were pitted against each other in the 2000s — were warm and chummy, cracking jokes and enthusiastically agreeing with one another.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The actors teased their big comeback via social media.—
Lynette Rice,
Deadline,
5 Apr. 2026
-
At the 2024 Grammys, Beyoncé teased her eighth studio album with a tip of her cowboy hat as the two struck a pose at their table.—
Brendan Le,
PEOPLE,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Retro Rewind players run a Blockbuster Video-like movie-rental store set in the early 1990s, complete with spoofs of real blockbusters of the era.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
19 Mar. 2026
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In the spoof, the host is dressed as Aunt Gladys from Weapons — which which won best supporting actress for Amy Madigan’s portrayal of the character — complete with the bright orange hair and white face paint.—
Anna Chan,
Billboard,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Willy laments to his stout and thankless wife, Linda (Laurie Metcalf, upholding her reputation as a Broadway MVP), that buyers on the road laugh at him — that one even called him a shrimp.—
Naveen Kumar,
Variety,
10 Apr. 2026
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Five years — and many an Emmy later — the show's portrayal of strong female friendship doesn't cease to be inspiring, earning more than its fair share of laughs along the way.—
Rebecca Aizin,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Both kids cheer and bite into their burgers.—
Fortesa Latifi,
Rolling Stone,
5 Apr. 2026
-
As previously mentioned, Meevee targets a preschool audience — specifically kids two to six — pretty much the only ages parents can (and should) be in sole control of their children’s screen time anyway.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
No, that’s not a pitch to reboot Jesse Armstrong’s iconic hourlong satire of America’s wealth hoarders.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
10 Apr. 2026
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Now Apple Studios has given him the backing to produce, write, direct and co-star in Outcome, a very dark Hollywood satire that also shows the toll the business can take on even the biggest of stars.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
There was none of the usual laughing and joking.—
Mario Cortegana,
New York Times,
20 Mar. 2026
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Rib.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rib. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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