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
Eddie Fontanez, AZCentral.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Beyond its famous buffalo-style chicken wings, Buffalo Wild Wings offers over two dozen sauces and dry rubs — from lemon pepper and Thai curry to desert heat and chipotle barbecue, according to its website.
—Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 26 Jan. 2026
Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2026
On her knees, the older woman massaged her scalp then rubbed her elbows.
—Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rub
Noun
Their traditional wings come with over 20 sauce or dry rub options.
—Eddie Fontanez, AZCentral.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Beyond its famous buffalo-style chicken wings, Buffalo Wild Wings offers over two dozen sauces and dry rubs — from lemon pepper and Thai curry to desert heat and chipotle barbecue, according to its website.
—Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
Moisten the dryer sheet, rub the soap scum to remove it, and then rinse your shower with clean, warm water to remove any residue.
—Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2026
On her knees, the older woman massaged her scalp then rubbed her elbows.
—Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rub
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rub
Noun
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Think peachy-bright, brunchy, and a little flirty without the headache.—
Lanee Lee,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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Sonny Fouts, 71, has had a headache, stomachache and trouble sleeping since seeing news reports that the 37-year-old ICU nurse had been fatally shot by ICE agents Saturday, the vet and retired musician told People.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Adding onto the wear-and-tear element was that Monday’s game was a back-to-back, one caused by Saturday’s matchup being postponed to Sunday after a federal immigration agent shot and killed Alex Pretti in Minneapolis on Saturday morning.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
27 Jan. 2026
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The suspect is described as a man about six feet tall, wearing a black hoodie and black pants.—
Anna McAllister,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The department also noted the city will only sand residential streets at the request of Dallas police and Dallas Fire-Rescue to assist with emergency responses.—
Elissa Jorgensen,
Dallas Morning News,
28 Jan. 2026
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Before those efforts, crews will continue sanding operations around the city to treat roads this week.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Our editors’ favorite work bags have earned their place in our daily rotations, designed with durability and style in mind, and polished enough to go wherever the day takes us.—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Jan. 2026
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Its sleek vegan leather design looks polished enough for sightseeing days and casual dinners alike.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Makeup removal can sometimes feel like a thorn in your side, especially when heavy, waterproof formulas are standing in the way.—
Tatayana Yomary,
Essence,
28 Jan. 2026
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In the seventeenth century, the Dutch East India’s colony at Cape Town subjected indigenous people who hoped to trade with their soldiers, sailors, and farmers to different rules and planted thorn bushes to keep them out of the European settlement.—
Eve Fairbanks,
The Dial,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Confidence erodes, even when results look strong.—
Melissa Houston,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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And there are signs that assumptions about men’s unwillingness to use such products are eroding.—
Ana Castelain,
Bloomberg,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Russia's advance in Ukraine has largely settled into a grinding war of attrition, and analysts say that Russian President Vladimir Putin is in no rush to find a settlement, despite his army's difficulties on the roughly 600-mile front line.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
29 Jan. 2026
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The bright green powder is made from finely ground tea leaves, then whisked into hot water.—
Tanasia Kenney,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Contour seams enhance lifting, smoothing and comfortable compression.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
27 Jan. 2026
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Two stagehands were smoothing the surface with bladed scrapers.—
Bob Morris,
New Yorker,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rub. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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