fib 1 of 3

noun

ˈfib How to pronounce fib (audio)
Definition of fibnext
as in lie
a statement known by its maker to be untrue and made in order to deceive the claim that everyday living would be impossible without at least a few innocent fibs

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fib

2 of 3

verb (1)

as in to lie
to make a statement one knows to be untrue fibbed and said that he had remembered to water her plants while she was away

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fib

3 of 3

verb (2)

British
as in to lick
to strike repeatedly the two drunken pub crawlers proceeded to fib each other senseless

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb fib differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of fib are equivocate, lie, palter, and prevaricate. While all these words mean "to tell an untruth," fib applies to a telling of a trivial untruth.

fibbed about the price of the new suit

When might equivocate be a better fit than fib?

The synonyms equivocate and fib are sometimes interchangeable, but equivocate implies using words having more than one sense so as to seem to say one thing but intend another.

equivocated endlessly in an attempt to mislead her inquisitors

When is lie a more appropriate choice than fib?

While the synonyms lie and fib are close in meaning, lie is the blunt term, imputing dishonesty.

lied about where he had been

Where would palter be a reasonable alternative to fib?

The words palter and fib are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, palter implies making unreliable statements of fact or intention or insincere promises.

a swindler paltering with his investors

How are the words prevaricate and lie related as synonyms of fib?

Prevaricate softens the bluntness of lie by implying quibbling or confusing the issue.

during the hearings the witness did his best to prevaricate

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 fib
Noun
That is a likely fib, as the long-suffering lady behind the wheel is all too aware. — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026 Her other fibs may be humorous, but the film never mocks her. — Fred Topel, Deadline, 15 Nov. 2025
Verb
In today’s challenging market, finding a job can be a long, frustrating process, and some job seekers have resorted to fibbing in order to present themselves as better candidates for a role. — Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2025 The This Is Us actress stopped by the Not Gonna Lie podcast and told host Kylie Kelce that her singer hubby recently fibbed about watching the film to a friend. — Daysia Tolentino, EW.com, 20 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for fib
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fib
  1. lie
  2. lick
  3. tale
  4. hide
  5. story
  6. lash
  7. pound
  8. beat
Noun
  • Another way to hold accountable those spreading lies online is to sue them.
    — Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Undoubtedly, a stack of crazy, low-IQ and weird lies will follow.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of lie
Verb
  • Popo would lick her cone ever so gracefully, never dripping or messing up the lining of her magenta lipstick.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Teams have to be licking their chops after seeing what Tampa Bay did to Dallas last Thursday night, especially considering the defense (or lack thereof) that the Cowboys have shown through five weeks.
    — Jonathan Rubin, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of lick
Noun
  • Then on Wednesday morning, Luna reunited with her owners thanks to the efforts of local rescuers, tourists and park employees, capping a survival tale that required avoiding bears and coyotes while locating enough sustenance and shelter.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
  • That level of control precluded a Vatican media operation from spinning tall tales as occurred during John Paul's reign.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of tale
Verb
  • Ambarchi is the director who makes occasional cameos, hiding with his guitar in the shadows until stepping forward only when necessary.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of hide
Noun
  • After the boutique’s statement, Clarkson doubled down on her claims on her Instagram stories with photos featuring a price tag on the bird that contradicted the shop’s first statement.
    — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Some economists, including researchers at the Minneapolis Fed, argue the data don’t tell such a clean story.
    — Molly A. Wallace, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of story
Verb
  • Most of the students were accused of minor offenses, like making threats, using cannabis vapes or lashing out at classmates or teachers, the analysis found.
    — Kristian Hernández, San Antonio Express-News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • More students ages 10 to 13 are ending up in the justice system after vaping, making threats and lashing out at school.
    — Rosie Cima, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of lash
Verb
  • Extreme tropical weather led to two deaths in Mexico and caused widespread damage over the weekend as Hurricane Simon pounded the country's Pacific coast, authorities said Monday.
    — JAIMIE DING, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Rain pounded Las Vegas, which broke a daily rainfall record Sunday.
    — Adrian Florido, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of pound
Verb
  • Huntley led Baltimore to a tying touchdown and 2-point conversion in the last minute of regulation and then scored on a 1-yard sneak in overtime as the Ravens rallied to beat the Atlanta Falcons 30-23 on Sunday night.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026
  • James Hager arrived at Lopez’s Palm Drive home in Key Largo to stop him from beating his on-and-off-again girlfriend, according to Lopez’s arrest report.
    — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of beat

Browse Nearby Words

fiats
fib
fibbed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fib.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fib. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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