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
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Adjective
Palestinian activist Eid Hatlin said barbed wire in the yard was placed by settlers. — Daniel Estrin, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026 Meanwhile, North Korea has been adding mines, barbed wire fences, tactical roads, anti-tank walls and other fortifications to what's already one of the world's most heavily armed borders. — Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026 North Korea has been adding mines, barbed wire fences, anti-tank barriers and other fortifications to what’s already one of the world’s most heavily armed borders as Kim Jong Un pushes a hard line toward Seoul. — ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026 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 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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