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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of ribbing
Malia Griggs, Glamour, 26 Nov. 2025
This crewneck cardigan is one of the most timeless and versatile pieces on this list, with subtle ribbing and flared sleeves that add a bit of volume to the otherwise figure-skimming sweater.
—Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 11 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
Eden Lichterman, InStyle, 29 Jan. 2026
The pullover features outer seam detailing along the arms for a playful touch and ribbing on the neckline and wrist cuffs that adds dimension.
—Melony Forcier, PEOPLE, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ribbing
Adjective
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
This crewneck cardigan is one of the most timeless and versatile pieces on this list, with subtle ribbing and flared sleeves that add a bit of volume to the otherwise figure-skimming sweater.
—Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 11 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
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
The pullover features outer seam detailing along the arms for a playful touch and ribbing on the neckline and wrist cuffs that adds dimension.
—Melony Forcier, PEOPLE, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ribbing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ribbing
Noun
-
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
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Mutch was likely made aware of Chandler’s mocking verses, as some of Chandler’s biographers suggest.—
Jake Lundberg,
The Atlantic,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Starbucks Rewards members who use the mobile app may have received a push notification on Monday morning teasing the new drink.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
23 Mar. 2026
-
Late rap legend Big Pun cut his teeth there, teasing future hits from his classic 1998 debut album, Capital Punishment, at the venue.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
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His razzing of The Problem With Jon Stewart was the best grace note on the piece.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
12 Dec. 2025
Verb
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DeVos wasn’t kidding, and on Monday, in front of close friends and family, current and former Magic executives and employees and local community leaders, a plaque was unveiled with Martins’ name on it at the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame that’s located in Kia Center on the terrace level.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
23 Mar. 2026
-
McKneely wasn’t kidding about the staples being removed.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Larson first thought Bronin was joking.—
Mark Pazniokas,
Hartford Courant,
23 Mar. 2026
-
He's often seen joking with or getting tips from players such as Hacopian, the star second baseman who transferred in this offseason.—
Tony Catalina,
Austin American Statesman,
20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
In her response, Stanton was livid and sarcastic.—
Moira Donegan,
New Yorker,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Adebayo said with a sarcastic smile.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Thailand Located in the northern highlands of Thailand in Chiang Mai province, Doi Inthanon National Park is the picture of combined natural grandeur and cultural richness.—
Jasmine Ting,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Mar. 2026
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Make some chip dust Crushed potato chips are a shortcut to texture, richness, and salt.—
Anna Hezel,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The trailer’s slick wordplay and motherly imagery smartly play on both Latto’s Big Mama persona and the pregnancy rumors that have emerged over the past couple of months.—
Kyle Denis,
Billboard,
20 Mar. 2026
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Over the course of an hour, Niontay opens up about his relationship with his family, his affinity for wordplay, and his embrace of Blackness in his music.—
Olivier Lafontant,
Pitchfork,
19 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ribbing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ribbing. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
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