fib 1 of 3

Definition of fibnext

fib

2 of 3

verb (1)

fib

3 of 3

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
Ventricular fibrillation, also known as V-fib, is an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that causes a person's lower heart chambers to race and affects their ability to pump blood, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Terry Collins, USA Today, 13 Nov. 2025 Fishel was eventually able to coax Adler to admit that his fib was merely a child's angry rationalization, born out of hurt, of their beloved parent suddenly receding from their daily life. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Nov. 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
  • There, a mad, out-of-control Mary lives on as tenaciously as George Washington’s inability to tell a lie.
    Thomas Mallon, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • As their lies unravel, Nora and Jack try to outsmart one another.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • The parallels between Ines’ dilemma and that of a nation being asked to lick its wounds in silence — in the name of moving on from past miseries — are present but elusive.
    Jessica Kiang, Variety, 14 May 2026
  • At one point A’zion licks the digitally de-aged Mick Jagger’s face.
    Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • Because either McCluskie is one heck of a con man who rolled both Becerra and Williamson, making both believe what was happening was kosher with entirely different tales, or someone isn’t being entirely honest.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2026
  • The bittersweet tale infused with humor and sadness chimed with the Cannes audience.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • That day, Riley had been editing a sequence in which Corvette sneaks into a San Francisco condo owned by Christie, her fashion idol, by hiding inside a coffee delivery cart.
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
  • Bugs also tend to hide inside packaging, seams, or even the food itself.
    Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.
    Jo Yurcaba, NBC news, 16 May 2026
  • Eggs, sushi, and crypto The account paid attention to smaller stories, too.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • When the war began, a cornered Iran lashed out by attacking its neighbors in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a 45-year-old coalition of energy-rich Arab monarchies including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 19 May 2026
  • Harris also shows us the burn scars that ripple up Racine’s arm and across Anaia’s face, textured skin that makes strangers blanch, to which Racine lashes out defensively.
    Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Her silver nail polish—reminiscent of the shade worn by Lou Reed (from one New York legend to another) in footage shown during Todd Haynes’s documentary The Velvet Underground—sparkles as Gaga pounds the keys of her piano throughout the film.
    Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 15 May 2026
  • The park in Arlington features pulse-pounding water slides, relaxing lazy rivers, and family-friendly play areas.
    Natassia Paloma, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Ephemera is so often illustrative of the inner life of a character, a direct, beating correlative of the contents of their hearts.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
  • The race in San Diego County has unnerved other Democrats, who saw Issa as easier to beat than a fresh GOP candidate — but aren’t always sure what to think about Campar-Najjar.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 19 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fib.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fib. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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