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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
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Recent Examples of rub
Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025
All told, DeRose-Broeckert collected data from 109 fresh rubs and 37 fresh scrapes.
—Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 16 Oct. 2025
Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025
That also includes light touch on your scalp from brushing your hair, the sensation of rubbing a blanket over your body, or feeling a breeze brush against your skin.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rub
Noun
The French taxi driver said, That is rub-bish, and threw it on the floor.
—Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025
All told, DeRose-Broeckert collected data from 109 fresh rubs and 37 fresh scrapes.
—Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
Remove branches that are rubbing against each other, growing inward, or straight up.
—Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025
That also includes light touch on your scalp from brushing your hair, the sensation of rubbing a blanket over your body, or feeling a breeze brush against your skin.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rub
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rub
Noun
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For the patents on some of Novo Nordisk’s hero products in certain regions to be running out is an inevitable headache—companies can only hold them for so long before competitors are able to launch their own products.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
6 Nov. 2025
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Symptoms may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches or other ailments.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Jenner also shared a mirror selfie, covering her chest with one arm and wearing a towel low on her waist.—
Janelle Ash,
FOXNews.com,
7 Nov. 2025
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Upon arrival at Star Flat, travelers disembark the train wearing red light necklaces (to ensure no one gets lost), which provide light without compromising night vision.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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However, deteriorating or disturbed lead paint — through sanding or stripping — can create toxic dust that poses serious health hazards, particularly to children.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
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Additional changes in the new beach include a stabilizing stone wall, dry prairie grasses to deter birds and sand with larger grain size.—
Maia Pandey,
jsonline.com,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
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But the majority of all diamonds – 90% – are cut and polished in India, which holds a towering tariff rate of 50%.—
Vanessa Yurkevich,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
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Prinbara Satin Maxi Skirt This satin maxi skirt is the definition of versatile—comfortable enough for all-day wear yet polished enough to anchor a night-out look.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Yes, in an industry cartwheeling almost daily through new technologies, new owners, new formats and new audience expectations, the nearly-100-year-old measurement company was the sharpest thorn in Ziffren’s paw.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
30 Oct. 2025
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Thanks, Edison Long a thorn in Edison’s side, Gary Headrick of San Clemente Green has been urging Edison to release all the inspection photos for months.—
Teri Sforza,
Oc Register,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In particular, the city’s stormwater system is failing as pipes have eroded and caused sinkholes to pop up in some parts of the city.—
Taylor O'Connor,
Kansas City Star,
5 Nov. 2025
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While cord-cutting continues to erode the national pay-TV base, local sports has managed to offset any losses in linear reach with a rapidly expanding streaming audience.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Keeping ‘the wolf away from the door’ Colorado River cuts could hit the tiny town of Cave Creek harder than any other municipality, town officials say, potentially grinding growth to a halt and pulling the town government into lawsuits over unfulfilled water contracts.—
Austin Corona,
AZCentral.com,
6 Nov. 2025
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And when daily wear and tear was simulated – through continuous electric-toothbrush abrasion equivalent to about a year of brushing, as well as chewing and grinding – the teeth actually had superior resistance to wear, fracture and acid attack compared with natural enamel.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Its style was in many ways a refinement of the final run of Diablos, smoothing and polishing the old car’s edges while adding strength and modernity to the design.—
Will Sabel Courtney,
Robb Report,
6 Nov. 2025
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Gradually shifting bedtime and wake-up time by 10 to 15 minutes over several nights can help smooth the transition and get everyone back on schedule.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rub. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
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