barbed

1 of 2

adjective

ˈbärbd 

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

Adjective

• satiric
• sarcastic
• acidic
• acid
• biting

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

Adjective

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

There are plenty of Ostalgie museums in today’s united Germany, furnished with memorabilia of the German Democratic Republic, from twigs of barbed wire to Trabant gearboxes. — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2026

Across the lot in an unused patch of pavement, pops of bright orange and yellow reach skyward toward the imposing barbed wire that’s laced atop metal security bars. — Leigh-Ann Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing barbed

• barbed wire

Rhymes for barbed

• garbed