ribbing 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of ribbingnext
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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ribbing

2 of 3

noun

as in mocking

Related Words

ribbing

3 of 3

verb

present participle of rib
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

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 ribbing
Adjective
Cotton-cashmere ribbing blends softness and structure for a lightweight tank that always looks as intended. — Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2026 This strapless bra delivers a surprising amount of support and structure, with a longline silhouette, hook-and-eye closure, and subtle ribbing that give it a slightly corset-like feel. — Malia Griggs, Glamour, 26 Nov. 2025
Noun
The conversation had the recognizable rhythm of sports fans’ mixture of banter and good-natured ribbing. — Dan Greene, New Yorker, 12 June 2026 Team Italy captain Vinnie Pasquantino is likely to get some good-natured ribbing from a few of his Royals teammates on Monday night. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 2026
Verb
In real life, Miller takes the ribbing well, happy to be his friend’s fall guy for the purposes of narrative structure. — Jack Crosbie, Rolling Stone, 7 Apr. 2026 Sweet, awkward Hulda (Isolde Ardies) is often the target of her ribbing. — Judy Berman, Time, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ribbing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ribbing
  1. sarcastic
  2. mocking
  3. teasing
  4. razzing
  5. kidding
  6. fooling
  7. joking
  8. richness
Adjective
  • This is taken as evidence of his status, not a sarcastic criticism.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026
  • On Monday night, Contreras was ejected in the second inning after a check-swing strikeout prompted him to give a sarcastic ABS challenge gesture at the umpire, earning an instant boot.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of sarcastic
Noun
  • Paul’s confidence was growing, and the left tackle seemingly responded to his challengers by laughing at their efforts in a mocking manner.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026
  • Arteta and his Arsenal squad have, of course, downplayed the noise around the club this season, arguing that the widespread mocking doesn’t impact the inner sanctum of the team.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2026
Definition of mocking
Verb
  • After teasing us for a while, Volvo finally showed off the EX30 for real in 2023.
    — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 1 July 2026
  • Nike has been teasing its forthcoming partnership with the German team throughout this World Cup.
    — Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 29 June 2026
Definition of teasing
Noun
  • Fans of both have had to endure constant razzing for underperforming on the big stage.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026
  • Moss-Bachrach runs through a lot of emotions countering Bernthal here, cycling Richie through jokey acceptance of Mikey’s razzing, some light teasing of his own, and glimpses of uncertainty.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 5 May 2026
Definition of razzing
Verb
  • Just kidding, but seeing Angela’s team sweep Shamea’s at the Bailey Bowl basketball tournament was almost as satisfying as knowing Charles got to witness his former team’s historic win in person.
    — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 22 June 2026
  • Room was kidding, but someone inside Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday night had the power to make that happen.
    — Pete Grathoff June 21, Kansas City Star, 21 June 2026
Definition of kidding
Noun
  • No fooling, April brings some pretty interesting surprises on Netflix.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026
Definition of fooling
Verb
  • Following the convincing 3-0 victory over Czechia while resting some starters, the atmosphere on the Mexican team has been very relaxed, with several videos showing the players joking around with each other.
    — Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • There were quips and laughs during the postgame news conference, but Skubal’s overall tone was hardly joking.
    — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 25 June 2026
Definition of joking
Noun
  • French oak contributes richness without overwhelming the fruit, allowing citrus, stone fruit and fresh acidity to remain at the forefront.
    — Emily Price, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Lean into this richness and creative legacy by spending an entire day checking out the city’s world-class museums.
    — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026
Definition of richness

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ribbers
ribbing
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on ribbing

Nglish: Translation of ribbing for Spanish Speakers

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