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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rubbed
Adjective
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Related Story For a more elevated aesthetic, Dotto notes they can also be worn raw or given a light wash to evoke the polished sophistication of formalwear.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
18 June 2025 -
There’s also concern that kids are becoming self-conscious earlier, pressured to present a polished image both on and offline.—
Dia Gallo,
Parents,
17 June 2025
Verb
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But yet over the course of the 20th century, that land base eroded and in some instances slowly, but then in other instances rapidly.—
Tax Notes Staff,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
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Although economists continue to predict that growing numbers of jobs will require education beyond high school, public trust in the value of higher education has significantly eroded.—
Matt Gandal,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
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These models are trained on vast, unlicensed datasets scraped from internet and music platforms.—
Virginie Berger,
Forbes,
30 Dec. 2024
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However, Large Language Models have scraped most of the data that is easily available Expect 2025 to show increasing efforts to obtain data, whether these are business contracts to acquire data, labeling systems to curate yet-untapped data, deploying more sensors, and so on.—
Nisha Talagala,
Forbes,
30 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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For those looking to lock in shine post-wash, Mise En Scene’s Perfect Super Rich Serum delivers a glossy finish without a trace of greasiness.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
19 June 2025
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Her memorable ads became a mainstay on television and in glossy magazines.—
Jordan Valinsky,
CNN Money,
17 June 2025
Verb
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The mac and cheese is coated with buttery bubbly cheese and is just as comforting for these colder months.—
Kaitlyn Rosati,
New York Daily News,
25 Dec. 2024
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The outer surfaces were then sanded, covered with rice paper, coated, painted, and polished to a smooth hydrodynamic finish.—
David Szondy,
New Atlas,
25 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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This marble top table from Laurel Foundry Modern Farmhouse has the same rustic, yet modern design with its sleek top and wood base with an antique finish.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
People.com,
26 June 2025
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Like several others in its catalog, this vacuum boasts a sleek design that’s reminiscent of best-sellers like Samsung’s Bespoke Jet.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
26 June 2025
Verb
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There will be three stages, with movement, mindfulness and other activities, ranging from workouts to a trampoline class and grounding meditation.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 June 2025
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But even if newscasts come with a certain level of formality, the anchors that ground the programs are only human.—
Kyler Alvord,
People.com,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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Pop a satin version on top of your usual night-out curls to make the 'do feel glamorous.—
Jasmine Washington,
Seventeen,
18 Jan. 2023
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From satin pillowcases to a hydrating moisturizer, all of these products are on sale for less than $25.—
Isabel Garcia,
Peoplemag,
13 Jan. 2023
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Cite this Entry
“Rubbed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rubbed. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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