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
  • This structure, along with Structure II (likely a checkpoint or guard post), was part of the police and guard infrastructure surrounding the laborers’ settlements.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2025
  • In the manufacturing, construction and electrical trades, there's a dearth of talent as skilled laborers age out of the workforce without being replaced by younger workers.
    Kate Rogers, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Some workers, whose programs have alternative funding sources, continue to be paid on time.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 8 Oct. 2025
  • But as of 2025, about 1 in 6 people under age 65 do not have access to this coverage, including many small-business owners and tradespeople, as well as part-time workers and those in the gig economy.
    Christopher Robertson, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Sarr struggles to finish shots through contact against heavier bigs.
    Josh Robbins, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Forced to become a bloodsucker as part of Bill's punishment for vanquishing another, Deborah Ann Woll's Jessica struggles with her new, flesh-craving lifestyle.
    Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • How Democrats fare in efforts to reclaim the governor's office could preview a national pattern and influence party strategies as the GOP strives to maintain control of the House and Senate while Democrats push for significant gains after a disappointing 2024.
    Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Years after Air Force Combat Controller John Chapman fought to the death to save his fellow soldiers, an intelligence officer strives to prove his valor — leading an investigation that ultimately would secure him the Medal of Honor.
    Justin Kroll, Deadline, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Smart nutrition management all through the season always works better than trying to achieve stunning results with last minute fertilizer fixes.
    Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Holding his hand helps calm him down (a magic touch that works well with real kids, too).
    Pamela Brill, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grubs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grubs. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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