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
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Recent Examples of rubbed
Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 30 Oct. 2025
However, Amy didn't say anything else, which rubbed her the wrong way.
—Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Dishes like Hokkaido scallop crudo and zatar and yogurt rubbed swordfish kabob with eggplant, roasted tomato, and tahini are transporting and the unctuous roasted bone marrow is simply a must-have dish.
—Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025
Dennis took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes as Lenamon spoke about the abuse.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
Sontay rubbed his face and accepted the voluntary departure.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 22 Oct. 2025
Tom rubbed the back of his neck.
—Bob Cary, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2025
All other produce can be gently rubbed while being rinsed.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2025
The female nurse rubbed the glove over her sides, into the folds, on the back of her neck.
—Laura Vazquez, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
Her words rubbed viewers and other contestants the wrong way, prompting a spat with fellow contestant Debbie.
—Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 30 Oct. 2025
However, Amy didn't say anything else, which rubbed her the wrong way.
—Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Dishes like Hokkaido scallop crudo and zatar and yogurt rubbed swordfish kabob with eggplant, roasted tomato, and tahini are transporting and the unctuous roasted bone marrow is simply a must-have dish.
—Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025
Dennis took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes as Lenamon spoke about the abuse.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
Sontay rubbed his face and accepted the voluntary departure.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 22 Oct. 2025
Tom rubbed the back of his neck.
—Bob Cary, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2025
All other produce can be gently rubbed while being rinsed.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2025
The female nurse rubbed the glove over her sides, into the folds, on the back of her neck.
—Laura Vazquez, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rubbed
Adjective
-
Today’s comfy trousers look polished but feel as comfy as your favorite pair of sweatpants.—
Kelsey Glennon,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Oct. 2025
-
Some of the highlights of the collection are the super heavyweight sweatshirts and joggers (650g) designed to hold shape wear after wear; a heavyweight jersey (300g) with an oversized, roomy fit; and an interlock jersey (300g) with a polished finish.—
Renan Botelho,
Footwear News,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Conservation is of major concern in this case, as the Aptostichus ramirezae species' habitat is being rapidly eroded and reduced by rising sea levels, urban development and wildfires.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Oct. 2025
-
In particular, the city’s stormwater system is failing as pipes have eroded and caused sinkholes to pop up in some parts of the city.—
Taylor O'Connor,
Kansas City Star,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The right side was scraped down more.—
Antonio Losada,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Oct. 2025
-
Another interesting wrinkle is that the lawsuit doesn’t allege that Reddit itself was scraped.—
Reed Albergotti,
semafor.com,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The first is that the metallic fabric rightfully has a different texture (and potentially consistency) from the black, and that difference is glaring with that wide a stripe; reducing that width by a third or half would have smoothed that out.—
The Athletic NHL Staff,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
-
The palate is rich with leather, oak, and dark fruit, smoothed by brown sugar and lifted by cherry brightness.—
Gege Reed,
Louisville Courier Journal,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Guests can dine at the on-site Beacon Restaurant, stroll the nearby boardwalk, or unwind by the fire pits as the sun seemingly dips into the glistening lake.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
28 Oct. 2025
-
While Alberta Ferretti creative director Lorenzo Serafini's runway design featured glistening embellishments and more dramatic draping, the shoppable cape dress does not include an open back at all.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
While arriving at The Kelly Clarkson Show, the actress wore a crewneck sweater over edgy black leather pants, a timeless fall combination that always makes a comeback.—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
-
To add some interest, Jenner wore an extra-long, cobalt blue scarf.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Reiss’ script was a Black List find that either wasn’t reworked enough by committee or so sanded down in the studio churn that all personality was drained in the process.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Some people take all the components off the frame, strip off all the decals, then get the whole thing sanded and powder-coated with a fresh coat of paint.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
However, safety is the top concern among users in the Reddit thread, with many reporting that their glossy or ultra-smooth floors are incredibly slippery, especially when wet.—
Lauren Bengtson,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Oct. 2025
-
On Friday night, tennis superstar Serena Williams made a splash at the Princesa De Asturias awards ceremony, clad in a head-to-toe fiery red ensemble featuring glossy pumps.—
Kelsey Stewart,
Footwear News,
25 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rubbed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rubbed. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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