barbed

1 of 2

adjective

ˈbärbd How to pronounce barbed (audio)
Synonyms of barbednext
1
: having barbs
2
: characterized by pointed and biting criticism or sarcasm
barbed witticisms

barbed

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of barb entry 2

Synonyms of barbed

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Adjective

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Examples of barbed in a Sentence

Adjective The candidates exchanged barbed comments during the debate. barbed satire on American academia
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
Up the other side of the ravine there is another fence, much like the first, but without the barbed wire. — Literary Hub, 24 Aug. 2026 Light tubes, chains, scaffolds, chairs and a barbed wire table all made an appearance. — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026 Instead of trying to locate bears in the wild, the survey relies on hair samples collected in barbed wire traps, which can be used to identify individual bears based on their DNA. — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026 My coffee table is made of aluminum and resembles barbed wire. — Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for barbed

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of barbed was in 1611

Phrases Containing barbed

Rhymes for barbed

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Browse Nearby Words

barbecue sauce
barbed
barbed wire
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Cite this Entry

“Barbed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barbed. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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