BARB Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

barb

noun

ˈbärb

Definition of barb

as in insult

an act or expression showing scorn and usually intended to hurt another's feelings delivered one last barb to his ex-girlfriend as he stalked away

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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 barb The president has traded barbs and missile strikes with Tehran regarding the flow of regional commerce through the international waterway since peace talks with Iran broke down last month. — Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 14 Aug. 2026 Meanwhile, a company has developed surf booties that claim to be barb-resistant — though swimmers are urged to still tread lightly to avoid trampling the rays. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026 Shapiro and Owens have traded increasingly nasty barbs in recent months, with Shapiro attacking Owens over the conspiracy theories she’s promoted about Charlie Kirk’s assassination and Owens likewise punching back. — Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026 The Democratic opponents have traded barbs over spending from pro-Israel groups, including after a contentious July 27 debate. — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for barb

Recent Examples of Synonyms for barb

Noun

To call them journalists would be an insult to the profession.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Aug. 2026
The exchange began when Pham criticized Myers over a play, leading to a heated back-and-forth online, with Pham eventually resorting to personal insults.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of insult

Noun

The other presidents had some semblance of comedic appreciation, whether through cynicism, irony, sarcasm, joke-telling, joke appreciation or storytelling.

— John Blumenthal, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
Like all of Roth’s content, there is a mix of dead seriousness, dry sarcasm, and wondrous joy in equal measure.

— Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of sarcasm

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bar

barb

barbarian

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“Barb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/barb. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of barb

noun

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