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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Some headaches are related to muscle tension and can be triggered by stress.9 Hot showers or baths promote relaxation.—
Mark Gurarie,
Verywell Health,
9 July 2025
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These can seem like a real headache for a sole trader who does not have an HR department to take care of all this for them.—
Peter Boolkah,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
Verb
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The deceased woman was also wearing a black necklace with a cross that family said belonged to DiNapoli, according to court documents.—
Caelyn Pender,
Mercury News,
11 July 2025
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The bride wore a guipure high-neck lace gown embellished with crystals and complete with a nine-foot-long train.—
Sarah Title,
People.com,
10 July 2025
Verb
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Its secure seal acts like a vault around your phone to keep water and sand out and scratches off your screen.—
Laura Lu,
Parents,
19 May 2025
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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
Verb
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Define swim lanes for each spokesperson, and then polish the narrative for each.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
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Most high school seniors applying to selective colleges this fall don’t need a lot of advice on how to polish their personal essay or list extracurriculars.—
Gerald Bradshaw,
Chicago Tribune,
20 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 often considered an enemy of development in the state due to its ability to slow projects to a grinding halt.—
Kate Wolffe,
Sacbee.com,
30 June 2025
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He was welcomed warmly and awarded an Order of Liberty by Zelenskyy, who is trying to rally support among Kyiv's allies at a crucial juncture in the grinding war with Russia.—
USA Today,
USA Today,
29 June 2025
Verb
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These pre-soaked exfoliating pads use gentle lactic acid and the brand’s Tri-Enzyme technology to smooth rough patches, fade dark spots, and give your skin that post-facial glow.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
8 July 2025
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Betteridge speculated that Khloé had received several enhancements, including a temporal brow lift to elevate the outer brow, upper blepharoplasty to smooth the eyelids, and a chin implant.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rub. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.
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