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Definition of barbed

barbed

/bɑːrbd/
barbed
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barbed Lexical Profile

barbed Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Having one or more sharp points, hooks, or jagged projections that curve backward to make extraction difficult.

Example

"The rancher repaired the broken section of barbed wire along the northern pasture."

2

Deliberately hurtful, biting, or sharply critical in tone or intent (typically of a remark, joke, or criticism).

Example

"Her review of the play was filled with barbed comments about the director's staging choices."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for barbed

• Nearby Words

barbecue rib
barbecue ribs
barbecuer
barbed
barbel
barbell
barber

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the noun 'barb', which entered Middle English via Old French 'barbe' from Latin 'barba', meaning 'beard', referring to the beard-like outward projections on arrows and fishhooks.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Barbed. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/barbed
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