Thesaurus results for RIBBING

ribbing 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of ribbing

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

There are a lot of knowing nods and winks to past horror landmarks as well, notably Videodrome and The Shining, and more than a few gentle ribbings of the clichés of the Golden Age of slashers. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 20 May 2026 Plus, the vertical ribbing gives a subtle lengthening effect (always a win). — Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026

Verb

The left-hander has stuck with the Mavs, despite his buddies back home ribbing him about the Spurs and Victor Wembanyama. — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 7 June 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 ribbing

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ribbing

Adjective

Fresh Air critic John Powers describes it as a unique blend of creepiness, sarcastic humor and political anger, unlike anything else on TV.

— Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026
This hampers several of my favorite performances, especially Harper, whose Ben is full of sarcastic indignation, and June Laporte as Ginny, an aspiring reporter in need of proper mentoring.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of sarcastic

Noun

So when this particular member of the beloved Swedish acting dynasty released a rap song, Schulman’s mocking of the video played out pretty publicly in the press.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of mocking

Verb

Now, after a decade of barely any new music from the singer (there was that one good song for Smurfs), Rihanna is teasing fans once again.

— Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
The veteran held off any trash talk to start the game, but Wilson started a little chatter of his own, teasing Brooks about an altercation Monday with Detroit Pistons forward John Collins.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of teasing

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

All of the richness that existed within the novel, Zoe was able to translate very clearly within the lines and in between the lines.

— Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026
Printing, embroidery and sequins gave the surfaces depth, though their richness sometimes competed with the sensual draping that is one of Tron’s strengths.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of richness

Browse Nearby Words

ribbers

ribbing

ribbon

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Style

“Ribbing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ribbing. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of ribbing

adjective

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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