Synonyms

glib

American

[glib] / glɪb /

adjective

glibber, glibbest

readily fluent, often thoughtlessly, superficially, or insincerely so.

a glib talker; glib answers.

Synonyms:

smooth, facile, loquacious, talkative
easy or unconstrained, as actions or manners.
Archaic. agile; spry.

glib British

/ ɡlɪb /

adjective

fluent and easy, often in an insincere or deceptive way

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See fluent.

Other Word Forms

glibly adverb
glibness noun
unglib adjective

Etymology

Origin of glib

First recorded in 1585–95; compare obsolete glibbery “slippery” (cognate with Dutch glibberig )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

So for his children not to show up in any way, and to be glib about his experience, is, well, a choice.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 22, 2026

Some on Wall Street view the wild swings of the past few days as proof that investors have grown too glib about trade risks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 14, 2025

That sounds a bit glib, comparing my love of shark films to the very real and immediate threats of shark endangerment.

From Salon • Jun. 8, 2025

I am not trying to be glib myself.

From Slate • May 13, 2025

Drinkwater had a pretty face, a glib tongue, and a fine head of hair.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023