FIB Synonyms: 201 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

fib 1 of 3

noun

ˈfib

Definition of fib next

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

Examples 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

Before her family shows up to meet this mystery man at her birthday party, can Aaliyah find the right one to turn that big fib into reality? —

Lorraine Berry, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2024 The fib seemed to play into the media focus on Elliot’s weight, as seen in coverage of her passing and the aftermath. —

Christie D’zurilla, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2024

Verb

While SharkNinja’s claims may seem outrageous, the company might not actually be fibbing. —

Emma Roth, The Verge, 20 Oct. 2023 One survey concluded that one in four Americans who claimed to floss regularly was fibbing. —

Naomi Oreskes, Scientific American, 17 Oct. 2023 See all Example Sentences for fib

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fib

Noun

And while their relationship is a little cozier these days, the former president had threatened to throw Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg in jail as part of Trump’s lies about election fraud.

William Gavin, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
Michael Keaton won an Emmy for his portrayal of a widowed doctor in Appalachia who buys into the lies, and eventually becomes a victim of them.

Jennifer M. Wood, WIRED, 5 Nov. 2024