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
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
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
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
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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
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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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Since then, Swalwell’s support among organized labor, congressional allies and campaign donors has evaporated in the week since liberal influencers began posting vague accusations that Swalwell abused female staff and teasing forthcoming investigative articles.—
Lia Russell,
Sacbee.com,
13 Apr. 2026
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Lena Dunham‘s memoir Famesick is out on Tuesday, and the writer-actress has been teasing some of the bombshell revelations in various interviews.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Ernie was given to fun-loving razzing of others in the locker room.—
Ron Mix,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Apr. 2026
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Rowland expected a bit more razzing after Badger’s touchdown was wiped off the board.—
Chris Hays,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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There's a dazzling cigar lounge and bar, both conceived by none other than hotel designer of the moment, Martin Brudnizki (of Annabel’s; Fouquets; and Fifth Avenue Hotel fame); a sleek omakase restaurant; and even a 4,000-year-old fossil parked unassumingly outside a set of toilets (not kidding).—
Divia Thani,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Apr. 2026
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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
Noun
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No fooling, April brings some pretty interesting surprises on Netflix.—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But after the first year or so, the joking self-awareness had been replaced by earnest reviews of products sent gratis to the girls by skincare brands hoping for shout-outs.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 Apr. 2026
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On March 27, Perry shared another Instagram carousel from a recent date night, joking about their age difference.—
Angelique Brenes,
PEOPLE,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Peters then offered a sarcastic parting line and left the set.—
Ryan Brennan
April 15,
Miami Herald,
15 Apr. 2026
-
By contrast, Lillian’s counterpart and best friend is cast member and former standup comedian Gina Ross, a sarcastic, iconoclastic, in-your-face performer.—
Lee Kelly,
PEOPLE,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Beyond dyeing, Bossa continue to advance its Circular Dye concept, not only as a dye innovation but also to create differentiated melange and tonal effects at the yarn level, adding originality and visual richness to the collection.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
10 Apr. 2026
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The cup of sour cream adds a fabulous richness and the streusel topping is the perfect crunchy finish.—
Abby Fribush,
Southern Living,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ribbing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ribbing. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.
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