Find Synonyms

rib Synonyms

Another word for rib

Choosing another word for rib depends on context, so the 28 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 6 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
JUMP TO:

• noun (Context 1)

Each of a series of slender curved bones articulated in pairs to the spine, protecting the thoracic cavity and its organs in humans and most vertebrates.

Usage Example

"The athlete bruised a rib bone after colliding with another player during the match."

Strongest
rib bone
Strong
costa

• noun (Context 2)

A cut of meat from a cow, pig, or sheep containing one or more rib bones, often prepared by roasting, grilling, or smoking.

Usage Example

"The restaurant is famous for its slow-cooked barbecue ribs served with tangy sauce."

Strong
sparerib
short rib

• noun (Context 3)

A long raised ridge, curved timber, rod, or structural member that provides support, strength, or shape to an object such as an umbrella, boat hull, aircraft wing, or vaulted ceiling.

Usage Example

"A sudden gust of wind snapped one of the metal ribs inside her umbrella."

Strong
spoke
stretcher
strut
stay
spar
brace
ridge

• verb (Context 4)

To tease or make fun of someone in a good-natured, playful way (informal).

Usage Example

"His coworkers gently ribbed him all afternoon about wearing mismatched socks to the meeting."

Strongest
tease
kid
rag
razz
make fun of
Strong
needle
twit
chaff
roast
Weak
needling

• noun (Context 5)

A combination of knit and purl stitches that produces a raised vertical pattern with high elasticity in knitted fabric.

Usage Example

"She finished the sweater by knitting a snug ribbing along the cuffs and neckline."

Strongest
ribbing
rib stitch
Strong
welt

• verb (Context 6)

To mark, form, or furnish a fabric, surface, or structure with raised ridges or supporting ribs.

Usage Example

"The artisan ribbed the clay vessel with parallel grooves before placing it in the kiln."

Strongest
ridge
Strong
corrugate
flute
groove
furrow

Opposites of rib

The opposite of rib shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

smooth
flatten
compliment
praise
flatter
See all opposites of rib

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Rib. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/rib
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Dictionary & Reference
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.