1
as in parody
a work that imitates and exaggerates another work for comic effect
the movie is a rib of the "dramatic love story" that was so popular in the 1950s
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2
as in joke
something said or done to cause laughter
began to lose his sense of humor after being the butt of his friends' ribs once too often
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rib
Adam Harrington, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
Leave it to your trusty slow-cooker to make juicy, extra tender ribs.
—Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 8 Jan. 2026
Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 26 Dec. 2025
Yang’s mock competition with the actor Simu Liu, best known for being the first Asian star of a Marvel movie, poked fun at how goofy these milestones could sound, while also ribbing the expectations set by the model-minority stereotype.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rib
Noun
Popular menu items include pork sliders, carnitas nachos, the Cuban sandwich, and the pork belly burnt ends sandwich and plate, as well as ribs, mac and cheese, and an assortment of pizzas.
—Verb
The facings of said lapels might appear in flat and shining satin, ribbed grosgrain, or the somewhat rarer faille, a finely textured silk that falls somewhere between the two.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for rib
Noun
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The three-year Off-Broadway hit is a parody of the classic film Titanic, imagining the story as if Celine Dion were narrating it.—
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Maduro played the song at so many events that Chavistas (or Maduro supporters) began to claim it as pro-Maduro, even though Santana made it as a parody of the president.—
Noun
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If that means being the frequent butt of jokes for his age, that's fine, too.—
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Try to ski with a friend, who might distract me with a story or a joke.—
Verb
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In August 2025, the company announced plans to enter the automotive sector and teased two concept cars that drew heavy comparisons to the Bugatti Chiron and Rolls-Royce Cullinan.—
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Also at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Cyrus teased a potential return to the beloved, wig-wearing character.—
Noun
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The father-son duo recently filmed Spaceballs 2, the follow-up to the 1987 Star Wars spoof from comedy legend Mel Brooks and starring Bill.—
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Trcka expanded her career into films and television beginning with the horror spoof Scary Movie, which hit theaters in 2000.—
Noun
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The Spartans got the last laugh for now, too, taking both games.—
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Katz said, feigning familiarity with the leader’s influence and drawing laughs from the audience.—
Verb
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There’s an adults-only section and a large, warm pool that kids love.—
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Literally toxic lesbians — kidding.—
Noun
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The opening sketch has long been the primary venue for the show’s most enduring political satire.—
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In keeping with a pleasing streak of industry satire here—Michael Haneke and Netflix get hilarious shout-outs—Fanning has a bracing directness that cuts through all the dramaturgical throat-clearing.—
Noun
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Cole follows up with a joking request to appear on an interlude on the forthcoming project, then asks whether West could send him a care package of clothes — which West agrees to — before exiting the stage.—
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Our poll’s options include a joking reference to Dan Marino.—
Cite this Entry
“Rib.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rib. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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