grubs 1 of 2

plural of grub
as in laborers
a person who does very hard or dull work you may have to spend some time working as a grub before challenging work comes your way

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

grubs

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of grub

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 grubs
Noun
The adult beetles emerge in late spring to early summer, but the larvae, or grubs, also are responsible for chewing on turf grass roots in mid to late summer. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 25 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grubs
Noun
  • Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the city has seen a decline in large scale construction projects, leaving many laborers without steady, long-term employment.
    Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Local 724, the Hollywood laborers’ group, in a landmark election that took place Friday.
    Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • High-skilled workers will see income growth, while low-skill workers will be competing for a decreasing number of job openings.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • If tax records and documents do not add up, employers and employees may be arrested and detained as investigators sort out who is illegally present in the United States or illegally employing workers.
    Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In recent decades, as China has laid down vast networks of high-speed rail and thrown up shimmering cities, Americans have developed a deepening sense that their own country struggles to get things done.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
  • He was sacked six times by a team that struggles to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
    Steve Silverman, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Despite the glitz and glam of her showbiz career, Sweeney strives to keep her feet on the ground amid her growing It Girl status.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
  • An assertive Iran has been especially a thorn in the side of Saudi Arabia, which strives to be the dominant Muslim majority power in the region.
    David Mednicoff, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Technology works, but scaling it to a level that meaningfully impacts global emissions is an entirely different challenge.
    Peter Bendor-Samuel, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Otherwise, the oil works as a specialized scalp treatment, too, or to provide nourishment during protective styling.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grubs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grubs. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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