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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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
-
After teasing the news stories of the day - Iran, the Artemis II lunar flyby, March Madness and more - Guthrie briefly acknowledged her homecoming.—
Alana Wise,
NPR,
6 Apr. 2026
-
After teasing Confessions' forthcoming sequel, Madonna has delivered the next best thing.—
Tiffany Kelly,
Entertainment Weekly,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Rowland expected a bit more razzing after Badger’s touchdown was wiped off the board.—
Chris Hays,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 Mar. 2026
-
His razzing of The Problem With Jon Stewart was the best grace note on the piece.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
12 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
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
Noun
-
No fooling, April brings some pretty interesting surprises on Netflix.—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Comedian Charlie Berens also popularized the ritual, joking that it can be broken down into recognizable steps.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
29 Mar. 2026
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Over the radio, Bing Crosby is crooning, Bob Hope is joking, and news of the war — against Hitler, against Japan — keeps sizzling and crackling across the dial.—
Patt Morrison,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Doncic held both arms aloft in sarcastic celebration.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Apr. 2026
-
As for the time difference, Shanahan was sarcastic with his response to the San Francisco Chronicle.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
School is the crucible where raw vitality encounters the collective will to impose order and control but also to bring cultural richness to lives that might otherwise remain inhibited and crude.—
Tim Parks,
The New York Review of Books,
4 Apr. 2026
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The warmth of the vanilla transforms the peach into something almost caramelized and deeply gourmand, giving the whole composition a richness that takes it to an entirely different level.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ribbing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ribbing. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
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