as in joking
marked by or expressive of mild or good-natured teasing
the lightly ribbing tone tipped me off that this wasn't a serious reprimand
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in mocking
Related Words
as in teasing
to make fun of in a good-natured way
ribbed him a bit about fumbling such an easy play
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ribbing
Jordan Runtagh, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025
This strapless bra delivers a surprising amount of support and structure, with a longline silhouette, hook-and-eye closure, and subtle ribbing that give it a slightly corset-like feel.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 26 Nov. 2025
Andrea Guzmán, Austin American Statesman, 14 Jan. 2026
And secondly, the ribbing around the quarter-zip is comfy-looking and actually works to insulate by trapping air.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 20 Dec. 2025
Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 15 Mar. 2026
My favorite detail, though, is the contrast ribbing around the collar, hemline, and cuffs that gives the quarter-zip a boxy yet flattering shape.
—Eden Lichterman, InStyle, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ribbing
Adjective
Their trademark humor — that mix of cheeky absurdism and brotherly ribbing — is fully intact, recalling their ‘60s press conferences that won the hearts of a suspicious media.
—Jordan Runtagh, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025
This strapless bra delivers a surprising amount of support and structure, with a longline silhouette, hook-and-eye closure, and subtle ribbing that give it a slightly corset-like feel.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 26 Nov. 2025
Noun
But it’s also taken a ribbing for recalls, which have been mounting rapidly.
—Andrea Guzmán, Austin American Statesman, 14 Jan. 2026
And secondly, the ribbing around the quarter-zip is comfy-looking and actually works to insulate by trapping air.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 20 Dec. 2025
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
My favorite detail, though, is the contrast ribbing around the collar, hemline, and cuffs that gives the quarter-zip a boxy yet flattering shape.
—Eden Lichterman, InStyle, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ribbing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ribbing
Noun
-
Arteta and his Arsenal squad have, of course, downplayed the noise around the club this season, arguing that the widespread mocking doesn’t impact the inner sanctum of the team.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
20 Apr. 2026
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Afroman celebrated his legal victory in a video on Wednesday after winning a defamation lawsuit filed by several Ohio sheriff's deputies who accused the rapper of mocking and allegedly lying about them in music videos, following a 2022 raid on his home.—
Angeline Jane Bernabe,
ABC News,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Morgan Rogers fired wide from the ensuing chance, yet the sweeping move — teasing passes before going through the gears as play progressed upfield — was what Villa often desire, but can sometime lack.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2026
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The footage, revealed on April 22, adopts a dark and scary tone, teasing a body horror film that will be a total departure from anything fans have seen from the DC Universe so far.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Ernie was given to fun-loving razzing of others in the locker room.—
Ron Mix,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Apr. 2026
-
Rowland expected a bit more razzing after Badger’s touchdown was wiped off the board.—
Chris Hays,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Just kidding, but that would’ve been awesome.—
Maggie Fremont,
Vulture,
17 Apr. 2026
-
The interviewer said that Phillips, 65, was not kidding.—
Meredith Kile,
PEOPLE,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
No fooling, April brings some pretty interesting surprises on Netflix.—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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DaPron and Neeley have frequently posted TikTok videos together of them joking about butting heads as sisters, playing tennis and participating in trends.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
23 Apr. 2026
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Liam keeps joking about it on Twitter.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Middle of Nowhere’s Kacey is witty, a bit sarcastic, alternately ecstatic and frustrated but always ready to entertain.—
Molly Mary O’Brien,
Pitchfork,
1 May 2026
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According to a live feed from The New York Times, within minutes of the third day starting, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers had to reproach Musk, instructing him to stop being sarcastic and evasive.—
Ashley Belanger,
ArsTechnica,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
There’s a creamy richness, a nice farmy note, and good salt.—
Alex Beggs,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
25 Apr. 2026
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Dried beans cooked from scratch with a rind in the pot emerge with a flavor and richness that is difficult to attribute to any single element, but unmistakable in the result.—
Anne Wolf,
Martha Stewart,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ribbing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ribbing. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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