ribbing 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of ribbingnext
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

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ribbing

2 of 3

noun

as in mocking

Related Words

ribbing

3 of 3

verb

present participle of rib
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

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 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
The ribbing, a feature fishermen look for, also traps more air to retain body heat. — Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2026 Not exactly a denial by Lux, who appeared to not take the ribbing too seriously. — Sam Blum, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
Sweet, awkward Hulda (Isolde Ardies) is often the target of her ribbing. — Judy Berman, Time, 8 Apr. 2026 In real life, Miller takes the ribbing well, happy to be his friend’s fall guy for the purposes of narrative structure. — Jack Crosbie, Rolling Stone, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ribbing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ribbing
  1. sarcastic
  2. mocking
  3. teasing
  4. razzing
  5. kidding
  6. fooling
  7. joking
  8. richness
Adjective
  • The pilot is charming and funny, immediately drawing me into the dynamic of its two characters — Romy is a bit more gregarious and sarcastic, Bobby more sensitive and sullen.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 17 July 2026
  • Obviously, Dawkins is being very sarcastic here, but that’s the type of relationship these two share.
    — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of sarcastic
Noun
  • Paul’s confidence was growing, and the left tackle seemingly responded to his challengers by laughing at their efforts in a mocking manner.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026
  • 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
Definition of mocking
Verb
  • Suddenly, the same kids who had been teasing me were instead begging for the next chapter.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 July 2026
  • In the meantime, some teams, such as the Senators, are teasing creative ways of releasing their season schedule.
    — Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 15 July 2026
Definition of teasing
Noun
  • Fans of both teams traded chants and lighthearted razzing as their light-rail train neared the stadium.
    — Gabriel Sama, Mercury News, 1 July 2026
  • Fans of both have had to endure constant razzing for underperforming on the big stage.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026
Definition of razzing
Verb
  • But Guthrie wasn’t kidding, slipping into a yellow gingham dress before joining her co-hosts on the Today Show Plaza to greet visitors.
    — Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
  • Just kidding, but seeing Angela’s team sweep Shamea’s at the Bailey Bowl basketball tournament was almost as satisfying as knowing Charles got to witness his former team’s historic win in person.
    — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 22 June 2026
Definition of kidding
Noun
  • No fooling, April brings some pretty interesting surprises on Netflix.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026
Definition of fooling
Verb
  • As for coming to America in 2026, who would shoulder the exorbitant costs and the travel challenges, let alone the risk of being pulled out of a line at the Atlanta airport, interrogated, and sent back home for joking about penalty shoot-outs?
    — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 17 July 2026
  • Perhaps just not serious enough for Kerr to resist joking that the job is already done and the player is secured.
    — Devon Henderson, New York Times, 16 July 2026
Definition of joking
Noun
  • The result preserves Oban's distinctive coastal character while contributing layers of red fruit richness and sweetness.
    — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • Castro similarly uses charred poblanos as the base of her green sauce and cream cheese for richness, while amping up the color and flavor with fresh parsley and the heat of a serrano.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 21 July 2026
Definition of richness

Browse Nearby Words

ribbers
ribbing
ribbon
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Cite this Entry

“Ribbing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ribbing. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of ribbing for Spanish Speakers

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