jabs 1 of 2

plural of jab
as in punches
a quick thrust gave the jellyfish on the beach a cautious jab with my stick

Synonyms & Similar Words

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jabs

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of jab

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 jabs
Noun
Weight-loss jabs are the latest craze for shedding a few pounds. Nadine Wehida, Scientific American, 25 June 2026 They were controlled by two sets of levers, with plastic buttons that made the combatants throw left jabs and right uppercuts. Jack Lang, New York Times, 5 July 2026 The commander-in-chief and the former moderator for The View have traded jabs in a feud that has lasted for decades. Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 20 June 2026 Records of public meetings and community newspapers feature jabs at how far these sorry kinsmen have strayed from their heritage. Eythana Miller, The Dial, 23 June 2026 Thankfully, there are self-aware jabs as well, and it’s all couched in a character- and ensemble-centric ending that has hearty portions that help the random sour bite go down smoothly. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 25 June 2026 Her comedic jabs at the American economy and humorous reflections juxtapose somber moments of stillness in the midst of her struggles. Steven Vargas, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 And a third key was for Gaethje to throw jabs and get Topuria’s weight on his back foot, so Gaethje could find an opening with hooks over Topuria’s front shoulder. Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 6 July 2026 No women aged 20-24 died from cervical cancer between 2020 and 2024; without the jabs, 23 deaths would have been expected, says the report in The Lancet. The Week Uk, TheWeek, 6 July 2026
Verb
His finger jabs on the second-to-last page, at the postscript. Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Feb. 2025 Haggard jabs Baird over mailers The race is already tense. Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 13 Aug. 2025 Srinivas, who often jabs the search engine giant, made an interesting point. Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 3 Oct. 2025 In another moment, long-time rivals Jett and Mane exchange jabs against one another over a livestream as thousands of roarball fans tune in and cheer them on in the comments. Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026 But following elite competition is nearly impossible, with subtle flicks and jabs practically invisible to the naked eye—and competitors hidden behind masks. Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 25 Apr. 2026 Donald Trump‘s effort today to praise his new Homeland Security Secretary and defend him from Jimmy Kimmel‘s jabs kind of backfired. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 26 Mar. 2026 The public jabs from the president have angered some Catholics, the single largest religious denomination in the United States, according to Pew Research Center. Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026 Continue reading … OUT OF LEFT FIELD — Tom Hanks jokingly jabs MS NOW while speaking with reporter live on the network. FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jabs
Noun
  • Rey exploded on Ethan with 10-count punches, but a tilt-a-whirl was countered by Page with a sitout faceplant.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Members of Rita's loyalty program who use the Rita’s Ice app will get double loyalty punches with a purchase of the treat.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Kara talks her out of it, and when Ruthye walks away, Kara turns back to Krem and stabs him multiple times with a sword.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 27 June 2026
  • On cue, a Frey leaps out and stabs Robb’s pregnant wife Talisa (Oona Chaplin) in the stomach, and a volley of crossbow arrows lay into Robb and his friends.
    EW Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • With SpaceX’s historic initial public offering minting a small army of new millionaires overnight, the Southern California housing market is bracing for a big wave of buyers looking to upgrade their digs or perhaps snag a second home, potentially driving up prices in some in-demand neighborhoods.
    Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
  • Shamea stands ten toes down, and the digs start flying again as Shamea brings out her receipts from Ashley.
    Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • Commentary and opinions In his latest column, Michael Hiltzik punctures the myth of Alan Greenspan, whose policies gave us the Great Recession.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026
  • If a foreign object punctures the tread or sidewall, your tire can deflate slowly or quickly, depending on the puncture.
    Jason Fogelson, AJC.com, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • Earlier, authorities blocked access to excerpts of Goktas' show, including pokes at Erdogan, that were uploaded onto social media.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
  • If your everyday bra is worn out, replace it with this scalloped bra that provides padded support — without uncomfortable underwire that digs and pokes.
    Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • New reads abound for your vacation tote throughout the weeks of July, with fiction picks featuring a Carnival cruise casualty, a highly entertaining jewel heist at the Waldorf-Astoria, and a Soviet-era madcap adventure.
    Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • And with all the trades Peterson has pulled off in his tenure at the helm, the Hornets boast a treasure trove of draft picks just over the next five years alone.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • And who the f--- pierces a 12 year old?
    Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 24 May 2026
  • Lockwood’s music instills joy in listening, and such revitalized desire leaves your body freshly tender, sensitive to whatever pierces the ear.
    Joshua Minsoo Kim, Pitchfork, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The late Bill Carr, a former Florida athletic director who was Houston’s AD when the SWC breakup began, once summed this up to me in a way that still sticks.
    Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 1 July 2026
  • No sooner does Aemond arrive than the silver-white-haired warrior sticks his blade into the smooth-talking Harrenhal caretaker, Ser Simon Strong, played by British thespian Simon Russell Beale.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Jabs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jabs. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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