barb

noun

ˈbärb How to pronounce barb (audio)
Definition of barbnext
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 If the tuft is real feathers, with barbs around a shaft, Gonzo sits on the lineage that produced theropod dinosaurs—two-legged carnivores like Tyrannosaurus—and eventually birds. — Niranjana Rajalakshmi, Popular Science, 24 Sep. 2026 The barbs in this race have become deeply personal, with anti-Muslim rhetoric taking center stage. — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026 Plastic and silicone snakes often have barbs along the shaft. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 17 Sep. 2026 The sheriff’s office said its investigation is ongoing, as the case draws national attention and political barbs. — Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for barb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for barb
  1. insult
  2. sarcasm
Noun
  • But even with such attitudinal strides, Pew Research shows that people’s fears about AI’s societal impact are high, and digital choirs hurl insults at any project featuring the tech.
    — Corbin Bolies, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Continue reading … SOUR NOTE — Hayley Williams unleashes vulgar insult at DHS after agency defends ICE officers.
    — , FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of insult
Noun
  • There’s a hint of sarcasm in that statement, but also a dose of reality.
    — Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Returning the sarcasm tends to cause the same problem, with two people annoyed instead of one.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of sarcasm

Browse Nearby Words

bar
barb
barbarian
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Cite this Entry

“Barb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/barb. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on barb

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about barb

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