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Definition of fibnext

fib

2 of 3

verb (1)

fib

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verb (2)

British

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb fib differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of fib are equivocate, lie, palter, and prevaricate. While all these words mean "to tell an untruth," fib applies to a telling of a trivial untruth.

fibbed about the price of the new suit

When might equivocate be a better fit than fib?

The synonyms equivocate and fib are sometimes interchangeable, but equivocate implies using words having more than one sense so as to seem to say one thing but intend another.

equivocated endlessly in an attempt to mislead her inquisitors

When is lie a more appropriate choice than fib?

While the synonyms lie and fib are close in meaning, lie is the blunt term, imputing dishonesty.

lied about where he had been

Where would palter be a reasonable alternative to fib?

The words palter and fib are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, palter implies making unreliable statements of fact or intention or insincere promises.

a swindler paltering with his investors

How are the words prevaricate and lie related as synonyms of fib?

Prevaricate softens the bluntness of lie by implying quibbling or confusing the issue.

during the hearings the witness did his best to prevaricate

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 fib
Noun
Lauren captioned the post, a playful nod to the harmless fib. Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025 These are the silly, inconsequential fibs that affect them and no one else and become an issue only when they get called out by the other ladies. Brian Moylan, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
The This Is Us actress stopped by the Not Gonna Lie podcast and told host Kylie Kelce that her singer hubby recently fibbed about watching the film to a friend. Daysia Tolentino, EW.com, 20 July 2025 Mexican, Chinese, Cuban restaurants, a Jersey Mike’s, a Sawgrass Mills eatery and a golf club restaurant that seems to have fibbed about why it was closed comprise the return of the Sick and Shut Down List. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for fib
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fib
Noun
  • Whenever the president floated some bizarre policy idea, issued a new threat, or told a brazen lie about the state of the economy, Hassett would be one of the first people on cable news justifying it.
    Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Our entire relationship was built on a lie.
    Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Some readers might expect an indictment of fan fiction and celebrity culture; Yi swerves, though, and creates a more searching and subversive tale of love, connection, and art.
    Erin Somers, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
  • In pitting his offspring against each other in a battle for the family empire Rupert Murdoch became part of a tale as old as time… A tale well told in Gabe Sherman’s Bonfire of the Murdochs.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • This single-story home boasts a generous living space with four bedrooms and two baths.
    Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
    Katie Hill, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fib.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fib. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on fib

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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