as in joking
marked by or expressive of mild or good-natured teasing
the lightly ribbing tone tipped me off that this wasn't a serious reprimand
Synonyms & Similar Words
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as in mocking
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in teasing
to make fun of in a good-natured way
ribbed him a bit about fumbling such an easy play
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ribbing
Julia Teti, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019
The riffs and ribbing were still there, as were the parables about fame and celebrity as corruptive, murder-inspiring forces.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024
The wide hem is made with gorgeous ribbing that completes the look, and the sweater is even double discounted to just $37 for a limited time.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 8 Oct. 2024
The sweater, which is from her signature G. Label by goop brand, is finished with solid ribbing at the crew neckline, cuffs, and hem.
—Jamie Allison Sanders, Peoplemag, 26 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ribbing 
Noun
The sleeveless dress featured a halter and plunging neckline with visible ribbing.
—Julia Teti, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019
The riffs and ribbing were still there, as were the parables about fame and celebrity as corruptive, murder-inspiring forces.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024
The wide hem is made with gorgeous ribbing that completes the look, and the sweater is even double discounted to just $37 for a limited time.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 8 Oct. 2024
The sweater, which is from her signature G. Label by goop brand, is finished with solid ribbing at the crew neckline, cuffs, and hem.
—Jamie Allison Sanders, Peoplemag, 26 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ribbing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ribbing
Verb
-
Seinfeld was clearly teasing, but sure enough, several headlines reported it as gospel with perhaps a mention three paragraphs in that it was intended to be humorous.—
Jenelle Riley,
Variety,
6 Jan. 2025
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From teasing his retirement to becoming a minister and everything in between, here’s a look at the Hollywood star’s year of surprises.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
Fox News,
5 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Nile and Bernard seemed like best friends, always joking and very excited.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
22 Dec. 2024
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Not just the kind of vaudevillian two guys joking around with each other on stage, but even just as individual comedians.—
Justin Koreis,
Rolling Stone,
21 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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If the landing is bad, applause would be insultingly sarcastic.—
Sydney Borchers,
Fox News,
16 Jan. 2025
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If someone calls you out for being sarcastic, here are some ways to recover and mend the miscommunication Be mindful of your filter.—
Anne Sugar,
Forbes,
16 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The puzzles are rarely straightforward, using homophones and wordplay, among other techniques, to keep players challenged.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
25 Jan. 2025
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Editor’s picks The World War II wordplay was evidently a bridge too far for Greenblatt after the ADL had gone to bat for Musk in a statement on the inauguration salute that was widely seen as an abdication of the nonprofit’s exact purpose.—
Miles Klee,
Rolling Stone,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Through it all—the fights, the coupon cutting, the hand-me-downs, the breakdowns—with love, humor and perseverance, the family prevails.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
28 Jan. 2025
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Despite great chemistry between stars Matthew McConaughey, Ethan Hawke, Skeet Ulrich, and Vincent D'Onofrio, The Newton Boys is a crime film without much tension that devolves into a hangout picture without the humor or wit of his better, well, hangout pictures.—
Brian Smolensky and James Mercadante,
EW.com,
27 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Tyson and Paul repeatedly traded barbs and insults to each other leading up to the Nov. 15 boxing match, which was delayed by four months after the legendary former heavyweight champion was diagnosed with an ulcer flare-up.—
Danielle Jennings,
People.com,
21 Jan. 2025
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This has led Republicans to warn the nominees against falling hook, line and sinker for the barbs.—
Al Weaver,
The Hill,
12 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near ribbing
Cite this Entry
“Ribbing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ribbing. Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.
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