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

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 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
Look for at least 30,000 double rubs for a sofa that will see everyday use. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 21 July 2026 To enhance a pork tenderloin, use a marinade or dry rub that balances sweet, savory, acidic, and aromatic flavors. — Wini Moranville, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 July 2026
Verb
Put a drop or two in your palms, rub them together, and inhale the calming lavender-vanilla scent for a nice little reset. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 23 July 2026 Diners here can feast upon things like duck-fat frites for brunch and espresso-rubbed steaks for dinner. — Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 23 July 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
  • The fever and the less intense strain often presents as a headache, fever, muscle and joint aches, nausea, and fatigue.
    — Mary Ella Hastings July 24, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2026
  • For some its allergies or other upper respiratory issues; for others too much of an aroma causes a headache or worse.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 24 July 2026
Definition of headache
Verb
  • Hudson was shot in the exchange with deputies but was wearing body armor and sustained minor wounds, said prosecutors.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026
  • Other breathable pieces that French girls wore during Europe’s unprecedented heatwave were boho-style maxis, like this airy Anrabess sundress.
    — Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 25 July 2026
Definition of wear
Verb
  • For any leader feeling pressure to sand down their edges right now, that is not soft advice.
    — Laurel Donnellan, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • The rooms All Volcanoes lodges are hand-built and use no machinery (apart from sanding) by their team of builders, carpenters, welders, and fundi/artisans, from the papyrus roof to the bedside lamps.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 July 2026
Definition of sand
Verb
  • No matter what’s on your summer calendar, strappy sandals instantly polish any outfit.
    — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 26 July 2026
  • For deeper etching, a polishing compound and pad may restore the finish.
    — Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 25 July 2026
Definition of polish
Noun
  • Since her arrival, Claire has been a thorn in Quinn’s side, constantly pushing her to go back to New York, as for her, Ransom Canyon is little more than a dying town.
    — Barry Levitt, Time, 23 July 2026
  • Blackthorn salt was filtered through something called a tower of thorns.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 July 2026
Definition of thorn
Verb
  • Young people say the scandals have jeopardized their futures and eroded trust in the education system.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
  • The American military needs to be ready to defend our country and win any fight that comes our way, but corruption and corporate capture within the Defense Department are eroding that critical readiness.
    — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 24 July 2026
Definition of erode
Verb
  • Atlanta ground back both Mixed matches, but the youthful Slice dominated the DreamBreaker 21-13 to put a damper on Atlanta’s recent run.
    — Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • After hostilities began, Iran declared the waterway closed and launched missiles and drones at vessels trying to sail through, grinding traffic to a halt.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 27 July 2026
Definition of grind
Verb
  • Livermore residents have had a rocky relationship with the sidewalks around town for years, and now city leaders are hoping a new project will smooth things over.
    — Katie Nielsen, CBS News, 30 July 2026
  • Higher ed leaders are looking for more places to smooth the path—or find new ways that work better for students.
    — Jamie Merisotis, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of smooth

Phrases Containing rub

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Cite this Entry

“Rub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rub. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of rub for Spanish Speakers

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