Armani SyedMike Isaac and Lauren HirschMonique El-FaizyJohn Cassidy
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Confused about jibe and gibe? The distinction actually isn't as clear-cut as some commentators would like it to be. Jibe is used both for the verb meaning "to be in accord" or "agree" (as in "the results do not jibe with those from other studies") and for the nautical verb and noun referring to the act of shifting a sail from one side to the other ("jibe the mainsail," "a risky jibe in heavy seas"). Gibe is used as a verb and noun for derisive teasing or taunting. But jibe is also a recognized variant of gibe, so it too has teasing or taunting uses. Gibe has been used occasionally as a variant of jibe, but the use is not common enough to warrant dictionary entry, and is widely considered an error.
Synonyms
Examples of gibe in a Sentence
Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 4 Dec. 2023
But the Space Force decision was announced six months ago, and suggesting it’s at fault for the New Glenn delay doesn’t gibe with Blue’s previous statements.
—Tim Fernholz, Quartz, 26 Feb. 2021
Niall Stanage, The Hill, 30 Oct. 2024
The gibe blew Quayle off the debate stage; then, just a few weeks later, Republicans won the White House in a landslide.
—Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2024
Moderate Republicans Thursday distanced themselves from Trump’s gibe as pundits branded the statement as an unforced error that could fuel Democratic political momentum.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2024
Trump’s apparent gibe pointed to a potential problem.
—Aaron Blake, Washington Post, 18 July 2024
The Left’s answer to the focus on President Biden’s debilitated state is — to paraphrase the old gibe about Rudy Giuliani’s tendency to bring everyone back to September 11 — a noun, a verb, an overheated adjective, and Project 2025.
—Rich Lowry, National Review, 17 July 2024
The fact someone — whose motive and ideology remain unclear — sought to end his life has led to inevitable gibes about roosting chickens.
—Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2024
But not before a few gibes about interracial dynamics.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 July 2024
Richard Simmons is taking the gibes in stride on the heels of the news that the reclusive fitness guru has inspired an upcoming, unauthorized biopic.
—Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 31 Jan. 2024
Articles Related to gibe
Dictionary Entries Near gibe
Cite this Entry
“Gibe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gibe. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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