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
Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2025
Each box includes at least two barbecue sauces, at least two dry rubs, and at least one grilling accessory.
—Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 11 May 2025
Marlowe Starling, CNN Money, 23 June 2025
For your wooden cutting board, rub the raw edge of the lemon together with some salt along the cutting board to disinfect it.
—Cody Godwin, USA Today, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rub
Noun
Stangl confirms that the dressing and the spice rub can be made up to 4 days ahead.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2025
Each box includes at least two barbecue sauces, at least two dry rubs, and at least one grilling accessory.
—Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 11 May 2025
Verb
Orcas are known to rub on other objects such as smooth-pebble beaches in Canada, or on algal mats.
—Marlowe Starling, CNN Money, 23 June 2025
For your wooden cutting board, rub the raw edge of the lemon together with some salt along the cutting board to disinfect it.
—Cody Godwin, USA Today, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rub
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rub
Noun
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The variant has similar symptoms to other strains, including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sore throat, congestion or a runny nose, new loss of taste or smell, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, nausea or vomiting.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
28 June 2025
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These included headaches, hand pain, forearm pain, nerve damage in his left elbow, fatigue, decreased stamina and erectile dysfunction, according to the lawsuit.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
27 June 2025
Verb
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There are a few family members who only wear olive, mustard, khaki, black and other dull colors; clunky, unattractive shoes; and few accessories.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
28 June 2025
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She’s known for crafting the clothes worn by Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday and Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Grace Kelly in To Catch a Thief, and Gloria Swanson in Sunset Boulevard.—
Elise Taylor,
Vogue,
28 June 2025
Verb
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Hand-turned and sanded from a durable walnut wood, this one is finished with a food-safe beeswax oil blend, according to East Fork Pottery.—
Kate McGregor,
Architectural Digest,
17 June 2025
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But the popularity of sanding down the tension and defining characteristics out of romances has also inadvertently sanded down much of the character diversity.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
13 May 2025
Verb
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Other procedures like polishing restorations, ceramic crowns, using elastics, orthodontic appliances, and so on can generate particles.—
Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
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Most people think stand-up comics spend decades polishing their act to get good at telling jokes.—
Nate Jackson,
Los Angeles Times,
23 June 2025
Noun
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The injunctions have been a thorn in the side of administrations from both parties, with aggrieved parties often filing in specific, favorable courts that would then issue nationwide stays on presidential orders.—
Peter Aitken
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 June 2025
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For nearly half a century, Iran has been a thorn in the side of the world, killing and maiming American soldiers, butchering Israeli citizens, threatening its neighbors and fostering terror around the world.—
Chris Roemer,
Baltimore Sun,
26 June 2025
Verb
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Chatterjee notes that this is a brand with strong retention but declining acquisition potential due to eroding external perception.—
Jeff Fromm,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2025
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Many of his directives this term have closely mirrored Project 2025, a conservative policy agenda that explicitly prioritizes eroding LGBTQ rights.—
Emily Mae Czachor,
CBS News,
28 June 2025
Verb
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It’s made from grinding green tea leaves—which can be varying grades of quality—into a fine powder, which is then whisked with hot water to create a thick, frothy liquid.—
Devorah Lev-Tov,
Vogue,
20 June 2025
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Toss in an uncaring government agent with an axe to grind.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
19 June 2025
Verb
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According to Richie, her new chop was a result of hair damage from keratin treatments, which uses chemicals to smooth frizzy or curly hair.—
Bella Cacciatore,
Glamour,
27 June 2025
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Offering a civic-minded channel devoted to displaying democracy in action helped smooth the path for the pay TV industry’s expansion.—
Stephen Battaglio,
Los Angeles Times,
25 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rub. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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