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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rib
Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 10 June 2026
This diner-style mom-and-pop has ribs and pan-seared tuna, but every South Floridian swears by its straightforward and excellent burger, an Angus beef half-pounder on a seeded bun.
—Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 10 June 2026
Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 1 May 2026
Murphy returned the favor by ribbing him by saying that every time Lee’s beloved New York Knicks lost their bid to become NBA champs, Lee was in the building.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rib
Noun
One account included a woman who was allegedly punched in the ribs by Redzepi and subsequently fell into a counter and cut her hip.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 10 June 2026
This diner-style mom-and-pop has ribs and pan-seared tuna, but every South Floridian swears by its straightforward and excellent burger, an Angus beef half-pounder on a seeded bun.
—Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 10 June 2026
Verb
This late-maturing Mexican heirloom tomato is as sweet and tasty as much as it is heavily ribbed.
—Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 1 May 2026
Murphy returned the favor by ribbing him by saying that every time Lee’s beloved New York Knicks lost their bid to become NBA champs, Lee was in the building.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rib
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rib
Noun
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For Entertainment Weekly's Scary Movie cover story, the returning protagonist of the first four entries in the horror parody franchise broke down all the films that co-creators and co-writers Shawn and Marlon Wayans set Faris up to knock down in the latest.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 June 2026
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One of my favorites is Suzuki Beane (1961) written by Sandra Scoppettone and illustrated by Louise Fitzhugh, a parody of Eloise at the Plaza Hotel.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 June 2026
Noun
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Despite all of the excellent jokes, ultimately Night Night Fawn can be nothing other than a tragedy.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
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In casual conversation, it’s treated as a biological footnote, something between a quirk and a joke.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Verb
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This supernovela, a term used to describe high-budget soapy dramas, looks ultra-addictive and is already teasing a second season.—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
12 June 2026
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On what the future holds for Fizzen, Cavallari teased a potential expansion into new drink divisions.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
11 June 2026
Noun
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In addition to a full-circle moment of returning to the Scary Movie franchise in its new sequel-reboot (in theaters now) 25 years after appearing in the original 2000 horror spoof, as well as being a devoted dog mom, Electra is busy filming a documentary and writing a book of her own.—
Jack Smart,
PEOPLE,
9 June 2026
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Based on the Apple TV series, the fizzy throwback spoofs Golden Age musicals, and follows an on-the-rocks couple who are trapped in a town where people sing and dance incessantly.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
8 June 2026
Noun
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Thank you Brian Tarantina for sharing in all of the laughs.—
Liza Esquibias,
PEOPLE,
11 Dec. 2025
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And there are several clips that show how happy the couple seem, even one in which Emma slaps Charlie while in flagrante delicto, and the pair laugh in the shock of the moment.—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Dec. 2025
Verb
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The connection to nature at Vista Celestial is truly profound, with wildlife waiting for you at the door—I'm not kidding, at one point, a capuchin monkey walked onto our patio to say hello.—
Christina Perrier,
InStyle,
8 June 2026
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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
Noun
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All of it might have been intended as satire, but sometimes the sardonic is just stupid.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
4 Dec. 2025
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These jags of overwhelming knowing fuel Larraquy’s satire.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Still, Yoon’s joking somehow lightens the mood.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
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The president has long bristled at the otherwise customary joking at his expense by celebrity comedians.—
Dennis Romero,
NBC news,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rib.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rib. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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