barbed
Like fishhook tips
Barbed means having barbs—sharp projections that angle backward, making removal difficult.
Barbed wire uses this principle to deter crossing.
Figuratively, barbed describes remarks designed to wound: a barbed comment, barbed wit.
The sharpness cuts; the backward angle makes it stick.
Tapering to a tip
- spikedSecretly added alcohol
- prongedHaving pointed extensions
- hookedDeeply dependent or bent
- jaggedSharply uneven, notched
serrated · razor-sharp · needlelike · piercing · prickly · spiny · thorny · tine
Dividing via sharp edge
- bitingHarshly critical or cold
- causticChemically burning; bitterly mocking
- acerbicSharp and biting
- mordantCuttingly critical in expression
scathing · snide · sarcastic · sardonic · stinging · pointed · sharp-tongued · trenchant
Spoken comment or note
- commentBrief stated opinion
- insultOffensive remark or action
- jibeAgree or correspond
- quipBrief, clever remark
retort · dig · wisecrack · zinger · put-down · slight · taunt · gibe
Thin metallic conductor
- fenceBoundary structure between properties
- razor wireBladed security fencing
- perimeterShape's outer edge length
- boundaryLine marking a limit
enclosure · barrier · coil · strand · post · stockade · compound · detention
pointed
Tapering to a tip
jagged · serrated · razor-sharp · needlelike · piercing · prickly · spiny · thorny · tine · prong
cutting
Dividing via sharp edge
mordant · scathing · snide · sarcastic · sardonic · stinging · pointed · sharp-tongued · trenchant · wounding
remark
Spoken comment or note
quip · retort · dig · wisecrack · zinger · put-down · slight · taunt · gibe · jeer
wire
Thin metallic conductor
- fenceBoundary structure between properties
- razor wireBladed security fencing
- perimeterShape's outer edge length
boundary · enclosure · barrier · coil · strand · post · stockade · compound · detention · prison
hook
Curved catching device
bait · tackle · gaff · harpoon · snag · catch · jigging · trolling · fly-fishing · setline
caught
Seized or grabbed
stuck · entangled · hooked · impaled · pierced · embedded · lodged
- linesstraight line, line, dotted line, dashed line, solid line
- harshbiting, bitter, brutal, caustic, cruel
- feather qualitiesfluffy, downy, soft, silky, smooth
- blade sharpnesssharp, dull, blunt, keen, razor-sharp
- animal coveringsfur, scales, feathers, skin, hide
- river termswaterfall, oxbow, tributary, delta, channel
barbedkindly
Warmly, with goodwill
complimentary · flattering · kind · gentle · good-natured
- barbed wireSpiked metal fence material
- barbed wire fence
- barb wireSpiked metal fencing material
- behind barbed wire
- trading barbs
- barbed wire bat