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
Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 19 Mar. 2026
Also new is the Bacon Onion Jam Smashburger, a Black Angus beef burger with Nashville hot rub, white American cheese, pickles, bacon chipotle onion jam, shredded lettuce, El Gallo BBQ sauce and miso ranch served on a King’s Hawaiian bun.
—Richard Guzman, Daily News, 16 Mar. 2026
Joyann Jeffrey, PEOPLE, 8 Apr. 2026
Visitors to aquariums may notice that sea otters often blow bubbles and spin while rubbing their fur.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rub
Noun
Olive oil is used in two places — first to create a rub for the chops and then to sauté the shallot and mushrooms for the gravy.
—Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 19 Mar. 2026
Also new is the Bacon Onion Jam Smashburger, a Black Angus beef burger with Nashville hot rub, white American cheese, pickles, bacon chipotle onion jam, shredded lettuce, El Gallo BBQ sauce and miso ranch served on a King’s Hawaiian bun.
—Richard Guzman, Daily News, 16 Mar. 2026
Verb
Pet owners can get infected when flea poop enters the body through cuts or scrapes in the skin, or if rubbed into the eyes.
—Joyann Jeffrey, PEOPLE, 8 Apr. 2026
Visitors to aquariums may notice that sea otters often blow bubbles and spin while rubbing their fur.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rub
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rub
Noun
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The war also caused gasoline and diesel prices to surge, causing further headaches for farmers.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Lyme disease can bring about flu-like symptoms, headaches, fever and chills.—
Mary Eber,
CBS News,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Los Angeles County deputies arrested a man last week after he was spotted on a Rancho Palos Verdes hiking trail armed with multiple guns and wearing body armor.—
Dean Fioresi,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
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The picture appeared to have been taken during one of Justin's rehearsal days, as Hailey wore the same black crop top and gray sweats in a video of her dancing while Justin took the stage.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Use a garden hose, leaf blower, or shop vac to get rid of sanding dust.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
10 Apr. 2026
-
The rigid jean is hand-sanded to emphasize its fullness.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The high-rise fit, chic cropped cut that hits above the ankle, and zip-front button closure read polished, especially in the darker wash (no whiskering or printing here).—
Malia Griggs,
Glamour,
8 Apr. 2026
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Their bestselling Regenerating Cleanser gently polishes away impurities and dullness to reveal a healthy-looking, radiant glow, clinically proven to make skin look brighter, smoother, more hydrated and pores look smaller.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Meanwhile, Israel’s continued attacks on Lebanon, which have killed more than 2,000 people since March 2, and Gaza could also be a thorn in negotiations, as Iran previously insisted that any cease-fire apply to the rest of the region.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
15 Apr. 2026
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Both the Kremlin and White House had valued Eurosceptic Orbán as a kindred spirit ideologically and a thorn in the side of the EU.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The staggering human toll in Gaza, ongoing West Bank settlement expansion, another incursion into Lebanon, and a darkening war with Iran eroded support among younger Americans—even as Washington remains Israel’s indispensable security partner.—
Ian Bremmer,
Time,
15 Apr. 2026
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Candidates also get favorable rates for television ads so their money goes further than independent expenditures by outside groups, though that advantage is eroding as ad spending increasingly shifts toward digital streaming.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Company executives often meet with clients at Wilson's Sandwich Shop, a Depression-era favorite that still cuts and grinds its hamburger in-house from local cattle.—
Dean Narciso,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
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At 19, Wilson moved to Nashville in a camper trailer, then spent nearly a decade grinding before landing her major-label deal in 2018.—
Brianne Tracy,
PEOPLE,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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This strategy allows investors to smooth the impact of interest rate fluctuations over time.—
Michelle Fox,
CNBC,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Process until smooth or close to smooth.—
Cathy Thomas,
Oc Register,
13 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rub. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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