as in polished
having a shiny surface or finish
the rubbed brass of the wall sconce showed my reflection
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in eroded
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 scraped
to make smooth by friction
the furniture restorer rubbed the board perfectly smooth with sandpaper
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in smoothed
to make smooth or glossy usually by repeatedly applying surface pressure
the butler rubbed the silver tea set until it gleamed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of rubbed
Sam Lee, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2026
Their ice maker expelled large clumps of wet salt, which, when rubbed, dissolved into an oily, foul-smelling substance.
—Nick Bowlin, The Frontier, 16 Feb. 2026
The comments rubbed some Democrats the wrong way.
—Amie Parnes, The Hill, 13 Feb. 2026
Johnson sighed and rubbed a hand over her head in relief.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 10 Feb. 2026
Diners here can feast upon things like duck fat frites for brunch and espresso-rubbed steaks for dinner.
—Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 2026
After Landfair climbed into Kelly’s lap and rubbed his head — following the precise instructions Sparkle had given her — Kelly eagerly accepted her innocent request.
—Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 31 Jan. 2026
But this one in particular rubbed him the wrong way.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 31 Jan. 2026
Police reported that Zagorac touched the student’s rear, put his hand under his shirt and rubbed his back and fondled him outside his clothing after calling him up to the teacher’s desk to talk about an assignment.
—Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
That rubbed City fans up the wrong way, especially as many were not too happy with his performances anyway.
—Sam Lee, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2026
Their ice maker expelled large clumps of wet salt, which, when rubbed, dissolved into an oily, foul-smelling substance.
—Nick Bowlin, The Frontier, 16 Feb. 2026
The comments rubbed some Democrats the wrong way.
—Amie Parnes, The Hill, 13 Feb. 2026
Johnson sighed and rubbed a hand over her head in relief.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 10 Feb. 2026
Diners here can feast upon things like duck fat frites for brunch and espresso-rubbed steaks for dinner.
—Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 2026
After Landfair climbed into Kelly’s lap and rubbed his head — following the precise instructions Sparkle had given her — Kelly eagerly accepted her innocent request.
—Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 31 Jan. 2026
But this one in particular rubbed him the wrong way.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 31 Jan. 2026
Police reported that Zagorac touched the student’s rear, put his hand under his shirt and rubbed his back and fondled him outside his clothing after calling him up to the teacher’s desk to talk about an assignment.
—Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rubbed
Adjective
-
At first glance, the hotel’s facade looks like any other sleek office block on this leafy boulevard in Songshan—polished glass, lots of steel, and unlikely to win any prizes for its exterior looks.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Right now, members can unlock dozens of spring-ready travel deals starting at just $8, with exclusive discounts on everything from luggage upgrades to polished matching sets that make for the perfect airport outfits.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The lockstep support the Clintons enjoyed among congressional Democrats has eroded as a new generation of lawmakers has taken office -- nine Democrats joined with Republicans on the House committee to advance the contempt resolution.—
STEVEN SLOAN THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Chinese streaming giant iQiYi returned to revenue growth in the fourth quarter of 2025, posting a 3% year-over-year increase and narrowing its quarterly loss, though the company swung to a full-year loss as profitability eroded sharply.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
This is actual soil, scraped up by machines, hopefully sifted to remove rocks, and then bagged.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Completely bare, scraped earth isn’t nature’s way.—
Caron Golden,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Over the years, the late Queen had repeatedly smoothed Andrew’s way in life.—
Helen Lewis,
The Atlantic,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Chocolate Ganache smoothed between layers of rich chocolate cake topped with Praline Frosting and a warm Bourbon Glaze make this recipe fit for special occasions.—
Patricia S York,
Southern Living,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The garlic bread is presented as a glistening round of spelt schiacciata gushing with butter, garlic and parsley.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
-
The reimagining of Chula Vista’s shoreline continues as the Port of San Diego prepares to introduce new public amenities designed to enhance the waterfront expanse opposite the glistening Gaylord resort.—
Jennifer Van Grove,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Ahmed wore a black T-shirt, flip-flops, and navy-blue gym shorts; his eyes darted around constantly.—
Elizabeth Flock,
New Yorker,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Cattrall wore a chinoiserie print robe featuring fuzzy trim, pairing it with a statement belt, a black top, and matching pants.—
Staff Author,
InStyle,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The hard edges and rough parts were getting sanded down, and the arguments and ideas were more uniform.—
Jake Lundberg,
The Atlantic,
19 Feb. 2026
-
The short’s dreamy black-and-white sequences, as well as its absence of character dialogue, sanded down AI’s rough edges.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
White fish is coated in a draft beer batter to create these crispy fillets, which can be served with fries or between bread for a convenient weekday meal.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Toss until fully coated, then mold it into a nugget shape and place it on a lined baking sheet.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
24 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rubbed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rubbed. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
