RUB Synonyms: 128 Similar and Opposite Words

rub 1 of 2

noun

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

rub

2 of 2

verb

ˈrəb

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

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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Examples of rub in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The meat is prepared with an adobo rub made with different types of chiles — árbol, pasilla, ancho — and spices such as cumin, cloves and sesame, along with tomato, onions and garlic. —

Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2024 Until now, homosexuality in Maestro has played out in foot rubs, furtive glances, and a single kiss. —

Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2024

Verb

Multiple activists and at least one police officer were seen squinting, rubbing their faces and pouring water over their eyes. —

Dave Boucher, Detroit Free Press, 8 Oct. 2024 Once dried, pour a bit of oil into your palm, rub the oil between your hands, and then rub the oil all over each of the potatoes. —

Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rub

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rub.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.