Barb and Sting

Barb

Barb noun - An act or expression showing scorn and usually intended to hurt another's feelings.

Show all Definitions

Sting and barb are semantically related. In some cases you can use "Sting" instead a noun "Barb".

Nearby Words: barbed, barber, barbel

Sting noun - An instance of the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value.

Show all Definitions

Barb and sting are semantically related. Sometimes you can use "Barb" instead a noun "Sting".

Nearby Words: stinging, stingy, stinginess, stinger, stingily

Blade on a Stick: Telegonus's weapon... except it's a sting ray barb, not just a blade.

Source: Literature / The Trojan Cycle aka: Trojan Cycle
Never mind that this seldom soothes the sting; the original barb hurt, after all, and hurting others for one's own amusement won't earn much sympathy, either.

Source: "Just Joking" Justification

Cite this Source

Sting and Barb. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 29, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/barb/sting

Barb & Sting. N.p., 2016. Web. 29 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/barb/sting>.

Sting or Barb. 2016. Accessed July 29, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/barb/sting.

Google Ngram Viewer shows how "barb" and "sting" have occurred on timeline