fib 1 of 3

fib

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verb (1)

fib

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verb (2)

British

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
But Chris is also a typical kid trying to figure things out in real time, as friendships change and humiliating social encounters reverberate and impromptu fibs turn into pathological chains of lies. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 27 July 2024 This is a clever fib on Julien’s part: what follows is hardly about Hughes. Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 12 July 2024
Verb
Bier was able to spot who may have fibbed about their dancing abilities, but the credits also tap into what makes the show so fun. Kerensa Cadenas, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2024 In 1924, a 20-year-old Chicagoan fibbed his way into the Olympics and won three gold medals at the swimming competition in Paris. Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for fib
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fib
Noun
  • The power to classify or declassify lies in the hands of top federal officials, including the president and Cabinet secretaries.
    David Klepper, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Weng promised to expedite her green card application under the EB-5 Program, but instead strung her along with lies for eight years federal prosecutors say.
    Real-Time News team, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Known as the mystical force behind the throne, Scorpios holds a lot of authority and influence, similar to the way the Magic Mirror does in this tale.
    Lisa Stardust, People.com, 21 Mar. 2025
  • From casting backlash and political dustups to a lingering conversation of how to portray the tale's dwarfs in 2025, here's a timeline detailing the Snow White live-action remake's controversies.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Another limited series based on a true-crime story?
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fib.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fib. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on fib

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