FIB Synonyms: 201 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

fib 1 of 3

noun

ˈfib

Definition of fib next

as in lie

a statement known by its maker to be untrue and made in order to deceive the claim that everyday living would be impossible without at least a few innocent fibs

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fib

2 of 3

verb (1)

as in to lie

to make a statement one knows to be untrue fibbed and said that he had remembered to water her plants while she was away

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fib

3 of 3

verb (2)

British

as in to lick

to strike repeatedly the two drunken pub crawlers proceeded to fib each other senseless

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

This is a clever fib on Julien’s part: what follows is hardly about Hughes. —

Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 12 July 2024 One fib could land him in jail with the rest of his flunkies. —

Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 25 May 2024

Verb

Without employers keeping workers in check, people may be more tempted to fib. —

Ron Lieber, New York Times, 1 June 2024 Bob Fireman’s Wagon Wheel Carnival was a cathedral built to the glory of fibbing. —

Carly Tagen-Dye, Peoplemag, 7 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for fib

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fib

Noun

After being exposed as a fraud, Gibson attempted to wipe all traces of her lies from the internet.

— Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025
In addition, one out-of-town entity has expressed interest in purchasing the entire golf course, but that offer lies outside the committee’s purview.

— Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025