1
: having barbs
2
: characterized by pointed and biting criticism or sarcasm
barbed witticisms
Synonyms
Examples of barbed in a Sentence
The candidates exchanged barbed comments during the debate.
barbed satire on American academia
Recent Examples on the Web
As proof of the threat, the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office gathered reporters last week to go over Election Day protections, including new barbed wire atop the parking lot where elections workers park.
—
Philip Elliott, TIME, 4 Nov. 2024
Back when barbed wire restricted freedom, Manzanar players found solace on a field that organizers and volunteers have now rebirthed and made their own.
—Emilie Ikeda, NBC News, 29 Oct. 2024
In a new novel, France’s famously abrasive author progresses from barbed satire to a spiritual-conversion narrative.
—Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 24 Oct. 2024
Taking selfies in the cradle of the atom bomb
By Ross Andersen
At a gate topped by barbed wire just north of White Sands Missile Range, a miles-long line of vehicles formed before dawn on Saturday.
—Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for barbed 
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Philip Elliott, TIME, 4 Nov. 2024
Back when barbed wire restricted freedom, Manzanar players found solace on a field that organizers and volunteers have now rebirthed and made their own.
—Emilie Ikeda, NBC News, 29 Oct. 2024
In a new novel, France’s famously abrasive author progresses from barbed satire to a spiritual-conversion narrative.
—Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 24 Oct. 2024
Taking selfies in the cradle of the atom bomb
By Ross Andersen
At a gate topped by barbed wire just north of White Sands Missile Range, a miles-long line of vehicles formed before dawn on Saturday.
—Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for barbed
Dictionary Entries Near barbed
Cite this Entry
“Barbed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barbed. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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