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

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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
  • AutoCamp is also a short walk to the main drag, sparing guests the headache of the limited parking around shops and restaurants.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Friday provided a brief but clear reminder of what kind of headache that could be for opposing defensive coordinators.
    — Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of headache
Verb
  • Cue forward Josh Windass revealing on camera how James, as one of those who had worn the armband during the season, had approached him about setting up a meeting with just the players present.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Workers who spend hours outdoors, such as construction and farm workers, also commonly wear UPF clothing.
    — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 16 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
  • Their kickers’ health and performance for years have been one of the thorns in the team’s side.
    — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • With hill country roots and dangerous charm, Zak has been raised since birth to carry on the Farley racing dynasty, a thorn in the Whitlock family’s side.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of thorn
Verb
  • Hence the switch, a year or so after the film’s release, to a stadium now named after the latest in a long line of sponsors that, for all the vital money brought in, have slightly eroded identity.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • If Chinese production pushes hardware prices into a freefall, the collateral backing hundreds of billions in private loans could erode far faster than the terms of the debt itself, leaving investors exposed to losses, according to Emons.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 12 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 21 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of rub for Spanish Speakers

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