rubbed out

Definition of rubbed outnext
past tense of rub out
1
as in destroyed
to bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of aerial bombs rubbed out the oil refinery

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 out But an Irish knock-on rubbed out a try for Jack Conan, and the second chance was turned over by Mann. ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026 No Mob boss, cheerfully decreeing that an inconvenient witness be rubbed out, could be more resolute. Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rubbed out
Verb
  • Pratt's home was destroyed in the Palisades Fire.
    Tom Wait, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
  • The outlet said the strikes also destroyed homes and caused widespread damage.
    Sarah Dean, NBC news, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In September, Charlie Kirk, Turning Point’s founder, had been assassinated by a gunman at Utah Valley University.
    Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Haiti was plunged into crisis in 2021, when mercenaries assassinated President Jovenel Moise.
    Max Saltman, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Although the Borrelia burgdorferi infection is typically eradicated by quick treatment, some individuals have persistent symptoms, which are referred to as Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome, according to the CDC.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Measles, once eradicated, has grown to 1,300 cases since an outbreak last year.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Gilbert suggested that the allegations alone have ruined their lives.
    Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Talley went long with an 8-iron into a back bunker on the 12th, the hole that ruined Jordan Spieth's chances of a repeat Masters victory in 2016.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The vicious murder that followed shook Kansas City to its core and to this day, no one knows for certain who snuck into Leila Welsh’s bedroom and brutally murdered her that morning.
    Patrick Salland, Kansas City Star, 7 Apr. 2026
  • When Emmett Till was murdered nearby in 1955, Howard helped lead the hunt for witnesses and offered Till’s mother, Mamie, a place to stay during the trial, with armed protection.
    Beverly Gage, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Indians erased an early 3-0 deficit with 3 runs in the second and 4 in the fourth.
    Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026
  • An efficient Cabrera issued only one walk and quickly erased the lone hit — a Nolan Schanuel one-out single in the fourth — with a double play from the next hitter.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Eid Barakat was forced to move from here when his house was demolished.
    Seth Doane, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
  • The project, which was announced by the White House in July, became a highly controversial undertaking when the East Wing was suddenly demolished to accommodate the 90,000 square foot ballroom.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • For something different, Cinkō Asian Latino Grill stands out as a kosher restaurant that brings together Asian and South American flavors in a way that feels both unexpected and well executed.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Authorities later executed multiple search warrants and collected items from the home, including exercise bands, medications, electronic devices, notebooks, clothing and a knife.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 7 Apr. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Rubbed out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rubbed%20out. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.

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