ribbing 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of ribbingnext
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
  1. sarcastic
  2. mocking
  3. teasing
  4. razzing
  5. kidding
  6. fooling
  7. joking
  8. richness
Adjective
  • The department’s post drew skeptical and sarcastic reactions from commenters who wondered whether the missing $30 called for a public search.
    — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Our second president, John Adams, was said to have had a sarcastic demeanor and made biting remarks about his contemporaries.
    — John Blumenthal, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 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
  • Professional athletes have joked about it in the past, with even all-time NBA great LeBron James teasing at a potential college sports journey post-retirement—albeit as more of a joke than an actual plan.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Netflix has dropped a first look at the sixth and final season teasing that answer.
    — Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of teasing
Noun
  • Fans of both teams traded chants and lighthearted razzing as their light-rail train neared the stadium.
    — Gabriel Sama, Mercury News, 1 July 2026
  • Fans of both have had to endure constant razzing for underperforming on the big stage.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026
Definition of razzing
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
Noun
  • No fooling, April brings some pretty interesting surprises on Netflix.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026
Definition of fooling
Verb
  • To this day, Ryan still isn’t sure if Hanks was being serious or joking.
    — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The beverage brands Liquid Death and Garage Beer teamed up to create the ad, which features former NFL player Jason Kelce joking about using people’s pee to cool the AI data centers.
    — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of joking
Noun
  • So light, given the heft of the bundle, and flaky, and fragrant with the specific richness of lard.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Such speculations reflect the richness of possibilities that the new work opens up.
    — Philip Ball, Scientific American, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of richness

Browse Nearby Words

ribbers
ribbing
ribbon
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Cite this Entry

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

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