barbed

1 of 2

adjective

ˈbärbd How to pronounce barbed (audio)
Synonyms of barbednext
1
: having barbs
2
: characterized by pointed and biting criticism or sarcasm
barbed witticisms

barbed

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of barb entry 2

Synonyms of barbed

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Adjective

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Examples of barbed in a Sentence

Adjective The candidates exchanged barbed comments during the debate. barbed satire on American academia
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
Attorneys for the country music icon’s estate claimed Seaver covered his front porch in barbed wire and yellow caution tape, thus delaying the formal delivery of the suit. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 6 Oct. 2026 Their long, barbed tongues can easily wind into ant and termite homes, licking up the bugs inside. — Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 4 Oct. 2026 The state oversees different types of facilities for kids in the justice system, ranging in security level from group homes to prisons surrounded by barbed wire. — Paige Pfleger, ProPublica, 25 Sep. 2026 Which is to say, this is more a barbed comedy of manners than a proper, elegant period piece. — Will Harris, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for barbed

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of barbed was in 1611

Phrases Containing barbed

Rhymes for barbed

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Browse Nearby Words

barbecue sauce
barbed
barbed wire
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Cite this Entry

“Barbed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barbed. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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