rub 1 of 2

noun

Definition of rubnext
as in headache
something that is a source of irritation even what seems to be a dream job usually turns out to have its fair share of rubs

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

rub

2 of 2

verb

ˈrəb How to pronounce rub (audio)
1
as in to wear
to damage or diminish by continued friction the brake pads were rubbed away as a result of years of use

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2
as in to sand
to make smooth by friction the furniture restorer rubbed the board perfectly smooth with sandpaper

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to polish
to make smooth or glossy usually by repeatedly applying surface pressure the butler rubbed the silver tea set until it gleamed

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 rub
Noun
The beloved mascot of Pocasset Hardware, Franklin wins everyone over with his ultra-friendly personality, generous kisses and endless requests for belly rubs. — Staff Author Updated, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026 In a collaboration with a local coffee roaster that’s also informed by his Hmong heritage, Minneapolis chef Yia Vang developed this earthy, spicy steak rub. — Jasmine Thompson, Midwest Living, 25 July 2026
Verb
Brush or rub about one-quarter of the sauce all over the chicken and corn. — ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026 Dampen a cotton swab with the alcohol and gently rub the ink stain. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rub
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rub
  1. headache
  2. wear
  3. sand
  4. polish
  5. thorn
  6. erode
  7. grind
  8. smooth
Noun
  • These include a severe or persistent headache, changes in vision such as blurred vision or seeing spots, pain in the upper abdomen, significant swelling of the face or hands, shortness of breath, and nausea or vomiting later in pregnancy.
    — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • But in some cases, West Nile can reach the brain and cause extreme headaches, meningitis, tremors, convulsions and paralysis.
    — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of headache
Verb
  • The Buc-ee’s beaver logo features the face of a beaver with prominent buck teeth wearing a red ball cap against a yellow backdrop.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • That same day, hundreds of women gathered outside the courthouse where Clancy is standing trial, wearing bright pink, in an attempt to raise awareness around maternal mental health.
    — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of wear
Verb
  • Before planting any hibiscus seeds, start by nicking or sanding the seeds using fine-grade sandpaper or the tip of a knife.
    — Shelby Vittek, The Spruce, 15 Aug. 2026
  • But everything around it needed to be sculpted, sanded and polished by hand.
    — John Lauritsen, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of sand
Verb
  • Seventy percent of job seekers use AI to polish their resumes—and Gen Z adoption is even higher at 85%.
    — Julia Korn, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Whether styled with a matching linen top, a lightweight blouse, or thrown on as a swimsuit cover-up en route to the beach club, these versatile pants make looking polished as easy as ever.
    — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of polish
Noun
  • Baydon's tattoo needle is a spiky thorn of a pomelo tree attached to a thin bamboo reed.
    — Marisol Delarosa, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
  • That would be, of course, the dozen attorneys general led by California’s Rob Bonta, whose antitrust lawsuit last month seeking to block the merger has been a thorn in Ellison’s side.
    — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of thorn
Verb
  • Phillips-Fein recently talked to CNN about how those ideals have eroded in recent years and why some working- class and poor people embrace the belief that extreme inequality is good for America.
    — John Blake, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Golden mussels can eradicate fish populations and erode delta habitats, and California farmers could lose their water.
    — Ashley Sharp, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of erode
Verb
  • The 4-cup mini chopper can chop or grind ingredients in seconds, making quick work of onions, garlic, herbs, and more.
    — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The lineup has expanded beyond its viral multi-balm, too, with lightweight SPF sticks and even a mess-minimizing grinding cleansing balm.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of grind
Verb
  • Instead of a pomade stick, Tauber recommends using Oribe Gel Sérum on coils, applying a generous amount around the hairline before smoothing it back with a boar bristle brush.
    — Marci Robin, Allure, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Additional nutrients present in tea, especially Yerba Mate (the favorite drink of the Guarani, many of whom live and hunt in forests year-round), can help smooth the rough edges that coffee can sometimes impose.
    — Diana Helmuth, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of smooth

Phrases Containing rub

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royalty
rub
rubbed
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Cite this Entry

“Rub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rub. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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