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
Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 6 May 2025
The pair also launched AC Barbeque together in June 2023, a lifestyle barbecue brand boasting seasonings, rubs and accessories.
—Emily Rella, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025
James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 31 May 2025
It was also discovered that Lunch Box had been wearing a body harness that had irritated much of his fur and rubbed right down to the skin.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rub
Noun
These ingredients add depth and a slightly earthy flavor to your rub.
—Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 6 May 2025
The pair also launched AC Barbeque together in June 2023, a lifestyle barbecue brand boasting seasonings, rubs and accessories.
—Emily Rella, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
The comments rubbed the coaching staff the wrong way, sources said, and showed a disconnect.
—James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 31 May 2025
It was also discovered that Lunch Box had been wearing a body harness that had irritated much of his fur and rubbed right down to the skin.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rub
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rub
Noun
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More severe cases of salmonellosis may include a high fever, aches, headaches, lethargy, a rash, blood in the urine or stool, and in some cases may become fatal.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 June 2025
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Its stern warnings are scary and uncomfortable--the headaches, indigestion, muscle spasms, body aches, clenched teeth or knots in your chest.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
Verb
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At prosecutors’ request, the judge also ordered Killian to wear an electric ankle monitor, surrender his passport and to obey a curfew of 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. if unemployed.—
JOE MARUSAK,
Charlotte Observer,
4 June 2025
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One Amazon reviewer wore them during a trip to Italy and said their feet felt great after being on them all day in the heat.—
Rylee Johnston,
Travel + Leisure,
4 June 2025
Verb
-
The Middle East is no stranger to sand and dust storms.—
Sanam Mahoozi,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
-
Then it must be sanded smooth and weatherproofed before being decorated.—
Beth Lipoff,
Kansas City Star,
21 May 2025
Verb
-
Elevated by fluted panels and a duo of discreet storage drawers, its look is polished enough to nimbly complement non-office settings.—
Erika Owen,
Architectural Digest,
3 June 2025
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The formal coupes are polished using specialty techniques to reveal a reflective, opalescent finish.—
Maria Conti,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 June 2025
Noun
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The early part of the season indicated Arizona would indeed be a thorn in the side of the Dodgers and one of the best teams in the NL.—
Andrew Wright,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 June 2025
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The law has been a thorn in the side of the Trump administration’s campaign to ramp up deportations, which the president has cast as an effort to rid the country of criminals despite also targeting immigrants with no prior convictions.—
Taryn Luna,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2025
Verb
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The persistent issue of greenwashing, where investments are promoted as sustainable without verifiable environmental benefits, has eroded trust and slowed market development.—
Edoardo Francesco Sabatino,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
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Maryland’s coastlines are eroding at an alarming rate.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
5 June 2025
Verb
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That impacts many young players like Pak, who are grinding, just trying to survive on tour.—
Daniel R. Depetris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 May 2025
-
Since Hamas’s devastating attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and Israel’s large-scale response, pro-Palestinian protests spread across the United States, including at Israeli consulates and college campuses, during the grinding conflict in Gaza.—
Adam Goldman,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
Verb
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Who doesn’t love a pair of leggings that sucks you in and smoothes your midsection?—
Elizabeth Mitchell Kadar,
Glamour,
2 June 2025
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The team was accused of stuffing and smoothing the seams of the rear attenuator, a part that is standard for all teams and therefore cannot be modified.—
Eduard Cauich,
Los Angeles Times,
25 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rub. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.
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