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
Relevance
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
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
Jakob Roze, Health, 1 Apr. 2026
Wednesday's news begins with a major Supreme Court debate on birthright citizenship, a space launch toward the moon and a rib-cracking plastic surgery trend.
—Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2026
Carter can’t wait to rib his fellow gridiron greats.
—Richard Johnson, New York Daily News, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rib
Noun
Keep the movement coming from your ribs, rotating, not by yanking your neck.
—Jakob Roze, Health, 1 Apr. 2026
Wednesday's news begins with a major Supreme Court debate on birthright citizenship, a space launch toward the moon and a rib-cracking plastic surgery trend.
—Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
These ribbed T-shirts come in neutral colors that pair with everything.
—Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2026
Carter can’t wait to rib his fellow gridiron greats.
—Richard Johnson, New York Daily News, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rib
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rib
Noun
-
The request and combination were so offbeat that both artists agreed to take part, quickly, and the band took over writing duties after Frito-Lay staffers first tried their own hand at a parody of their 2001 tune.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
26 Mar. 2026
-
In the latest pack, launching April 23, Owlchemy Labs takes players to Sporelando, which is parody of the Florida city Orlando.—
Gieson Cacho,
Mercury News,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
No this is not a joke…Retro Weather Channel is officially back!—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The response to the outcry led to even more jokes online.—
Bennett Conlin,
Baltimore Sun,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Muller also indicated there were even more crimes — but only teased the details in his letters.—
Lauren Clark,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The president has teased an endorsement, but hasn’t announced his preferred candidate.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
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
-
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
-
Looks like Love Story got the last laugh.—
Chris Murphy,
Vanity Fair,
27 Mar. 2026
-
The two teammates shared a laugh.—
Ryan Brennan
March 25,
Charlotte Observer,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
And don’t kid yourself, this is a huge deal.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Like all good satire, the book was a mirror.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Highlights included The Audacity, AMC‘s Silicon Valley satire from Succession producer Jonathan Glatzer; The Flaws, a German office sitcom that takes its inspiration from Buster Keaton-style silent film comedy; and My Brother, a Swedish family drama that’s as dark and bleak as a Nordic winter.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Mar. 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 3 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
