Thesaurus
Synonyms & Antonyms of rub
(Entry 1 of 2)
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 for rub
- aggravation,
- aggro
- [British],
- annoyance,
- bother,
- botheration,
- bugbear,
- exasperation,
- frustration,
- hair shirt,
- hassle,
- headache,
- inconvenience,
- irk,
- irritant,
- nuisance,
- peeve,
- pest,
- ruffle,
- thorn,
- trial,
- vexation
Words Related to rub
Near Antonyms for rub
rub
verbSynonyms & Antonyms of rub (Entry 2 of 2)
1
to damage or diminish by continued friction
- the brake pads were rubbed away as a result of years of use
Synonyms for rub
Words Related to rub
2
to make smooth by friction
- the furniture restorer rubbed the board perfectly smooth with sandpaper
Synonyms for rub
Words Related to rub
Near Antonyms for rub
3
to make smooth or glossy usually by repeatedly applying surface pressure
- the butler rubbed the silver tea set until it gleamed
Synonyms for rub
Words Related to rub
Near Antonyms for rub
Learn More About rub
From the Editors at Merriam-Webster
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Cite this Entry
“Rub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rub. Accessed 30 Nov. 2021.
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Time Traveler for rub
The first known use of rub was in the 14th century
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