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
Paula Disbrowe, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 May 2026
The breakfast casseroles were prepped, the ribs were ready for their dry rub, and the parade of sides would soon begin.
—Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 18 May 2026
Neelam Patadia, The Conversation, 27 May 2026
Pour the marinade over and turn to thoroughly coat the chicken, rubbing the marinade between the skin and meat.
—Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for rub
Noun
With a simple salt-and-pepper rub, steady low heat, and a long, patient cook, a gas grill (or charcoal setup) can absolutely get the job done.
—Paula Disbrowe, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 May 2026
The breakfast casseroles were prepped, the ribs were ready for their dry rub, and the parade of sides would soon begin.
—Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 18 May 2026
Verb
Sometimes the urge to rub happens if there is a gritty sensation, dryness or something stuck in our eyes.
—Neelam Patadia, The Conversation, 27 May 2026
Pour the marinade over and turn to thoroughly coat the chicken, rubbing the marinade between the skin and meat.
—Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for rub
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rub
Noun
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People in the trial reported similar side effects to those from mRNA Covid vaccines — flu-like symptoms including chills and headaches — that only lasted a couple of days.—
Kaitlin Sullivan,
NBC news,
1 June 2026
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That has the potential to cause real headaches for Carolina, especially with how the former two have played.—
Dom Luszczyszyn,
New York Times,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
Mark, on a skateboard, and Jacob, also wearing inline skates, followed a little more than an arm’s length behind.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2026
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There’s a similar amount of personality within Hadspen House, where a Roman bust wears a necklace of seashells and a snug room is decorated in the colors of the croquet set outside on the lawn.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Verb
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But even slightly sanded down, their work puts other games to shame.—
Jordan Minor,
PC Magazine,
29 May 2026
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The denim may have never been worn but it is stonewashed, sanded, chemically faded or laser-treated to look like it.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
Waldorf was used to seeing Shackelford addressing staff at the front of a conference room, polished in a suit and tie.—
Kavitha Surana,
CNN Money,
28 May 2026
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Another highlight of my visit was experiencing Bastien's Manicure, an in-spa collaboration with nail-care specialists Bastien Gonzalez, which pairs meticulous cuticle work and a thorough massage with a natural nail-polishing technique that eliminates the need for nail polish entirely.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
Some have thorns or spines, others have poisonous leaves or berries, and still others have…elaborate chemical defense alarm systems?—
Regina G. Barber,
NPR,
3 June 2026
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The eight bedrooms—four of which can be joined to make two family suites—are set far apart on a gravel pathway through the winter thorn forest (the furthest a brisk five-minute walk from the living area).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Verb
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Given that nursing home costs can easily exceed tens of thousands of dollars annually — and often much more depending on location and level of care — those expenses can quickly erode a retirement nest egg.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
3 June 2026
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Consequently, rising inflation has steadily eroded real purchasing power, leaving 59 percent of Americans without sufficient savings to absorb a minor financial shock, such as a $1,000 emergency.—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
Footwear News,
2 June 2026
Verb
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Nine crucial years of expansion and solidification of the pernicious institution went by, speeding the nation’s road toward a grinding war.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
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Then to tie a bow on the outing, Scott got Pavin Smith to lunge after an outside slider and ground into the final out of the game.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2026
Verb
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Fortunately, just then, Marijan entered the living room, with her hair smoothed down and her makeup reapplied, wearing a hand-stitched abaya from Mecca.—
Jamil Jan Kochai,
New Yorker,
1 June 2026
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In turn, these ingredients will firm the skin, visibly smooth fine lines, impart a youthful glow, and provide deep nourishment.—
Reece Andavolgyi,
InStyle,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rub. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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