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

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

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

Starring Andrew Scott as British actor Ian Charleson, who throws himself into playing Hamlet while succumbing to AIDS, the film’s ensemble cast features Dolan as the sarcastic receptionist at the National Theatre in London.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026
The sarcastic Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry) and affable actor Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc) are among her favorite characters.

— Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 9 Sep. 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

The full trailer — teasing what’s to come in episodes 1-8 — is out and totally re-watchable.

— Lindsay Kimble, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026
After years spent teasing a legally impossible third term, Trump is now describing life after January 2029, picturing himself at home as a successor claims credit.

— Will Weissert, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 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

Verb

After joking that the world had finally realized women were simply worse at directing than men, Gyllenhaal gave a serious answer.

— Nate Jones, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026
While James was joking about Ferguson, 66, joining the show, the former Duchess of York does have a history of major TV cameos.

— Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of joking

Noun

There’s no shortage of melty cheese, and a dash of half-and-half adds just the right amount of richness to the broth.

— Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Sep. 2026
The result is a one-of-a-kind pattern, infused with Cucinelli’s signature mix of understatement and richness.

— Jon Roth, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 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 12 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of ribbing

adjective

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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Cite this Entry

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