1
: having barbs
2
: characterized by pointed and biting criticism or sarcasm
barbed witticisms
Examples of barbed in a Sentence
The candidates exchanged barbed comments during the debate.
barbed satire on American academia
Recent Examples on the Web
Investigators learned that Zeng, during his alleged escape, threw clothing over a fence and climbed through barbed wire, Podgorski said.
—
Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 14 July 2025
This is the culmination of storylines, careers and blood feuds wrapped in a Lone Star barbed wire bow.
—Jenny Catlin, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Despite Elaine’s determination to protect her son, joining him behind barbed wire would not shield her family as a whole.
—Tracy Slater
july 10, Literary Hub, 10 July 2025
The center was built in eight days and features more than 200 security cameras, 28,000-plus feet of barbed wire and 400 security personnel.
—arkansasonline.com, 4 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for barbed
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Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 14 July 2025
This is the culmination of storylines, careers and blood feuds wrapped in a Lone Star barbed wire bow.
—Jenny Catlin, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Despite Elaine’s determination to protect her son, joining him behind barbed wire would not shield her family as a whole.
—Tracy Slater
july 10, Literary Hub, 10 July 2025
The center was built in eight days and features more than 200 security cameras, 28,000-plus feet of barbed wire and 400 security personnel.
—arkansasonline.com, 4 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for barbed
Cite this Entry
“Barbed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barbed. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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