1
as in wearing
to damage or diminish by continued friction
the brake pads were rubbed away as a result of years of use
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in grinding
to make smooth by friction
the furniture restorer rubbed the board perfectly smooth with sandpaper
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in polishing
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 rubbing
Her mother would visit the godparents’ shop and was treated to a bunch of free dresses, while little Oslyn made her way through the rows, rubbing those pretty dresses against her face.
—
Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Sep. 2025
When Kershaw turned to walk away, the team’s social media cameras caught the 37-year-old veteran rubbing at the tears in his eyes.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 28 Sep. 2025
Avoid rubbing the sting and monitor for signs of allergic reaction or shock.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 25 Sep. 2025
Over the last six seasons of her talk show, Barrymore has fielded both criticism and praise for her signature snug interviews, which often see her holding hands, rubbing shoulders, and hugging her guests.
—Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rubbing
Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Sep. 2025
When Kershaw turned to walk away, the team’s social media cameras caught the 37-year-old veteran rubbing at the tears in his eyes.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 28 Sep. 2025
Avoid rubbing the sting and monitor for signs of allergic reaction or shock.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 25 Sep. 2025
Over the last six seasons of her talk show, Barrymore has fielded both criticism and praise for her signature snug interviews, which often see her holding hands, rubbing shoulders, and hugging her guests.
—Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rubbing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rubbing
Verb
-
To reduce the risk of mosquito bites and West Nile virus, health officials recommend using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and long pants when outdoors, especially during peak mosquito activity at dawn and dusk.—
Caroline Neal,
Louisville Courier Journal,
2 Oct. 2025
-
My social media pages feature all complexions, including fair, medium, deep, and dark, each wearing different blush tones.—
Essence,
Essence,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The songwriting process for the album’s breakout hit started with the track’s grinding post-chorus breakdown, which Walter had created on a whim.—
Stephen Daw,
Billboard,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Stories like these have underscored the human dimension of a grinding war, where soldiers form bonds with animals in the trenches.—
Kapil Kajal,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The students spend the semester writing and polishing a novel excerpt, memoir excerpt, or chapbook length collection of poetry.—
The Editors,
JSTOR Daily,
22 Sep. 2025
-
After polishing, Stewart washes each piece with dish soap, rinses with lukewarm water, and dries immediately to prevent watermarks.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
That contrast only sharpens China’s advantage, where Beijing offers scale and direction, Europe risks eroding credibility.—
Felicia Jackson,
Forbes.com,
3 Oct. 2025
-
But those alternatives are more costly, eroding profits.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
DeFusco, the economist, believes filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy is an underused option for debtors.—
Rae Ellen Bichell,
Fortune,
29 Sep. 2025
-
One is filing a complaint with the DOT, which it is obligated to investigate (at least, for now).—
Christopher Elliott,
USA Today,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The ultra-wide, crossover waistband accentuates the waist while the stretchy, supportive fabric provides a smoothing effect on the midsection.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
28 Sep. 2025
-
The bra is made of a silky fabric that’s lightweight and smoothing for a fit that hugs you and stays hidden under clothes.—
Melody Kazel,
PEOPLE,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Ugg Duffield Throw Blanket II The blanket is made from a buttery-soft cotton blend and has a velvety finish with a trim border around the edges that improves durability and prevents fraying.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
27 Sep. 2025
-
The nation’s vaccination apparatus was already fraying before the rise of MAHA.—
Dhruv Khullar,
New Yorker,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Even the DeSantis administration might have some qualms about sanding off crosswalk markings within sight of the club where 49 people died in the early morning hours of June 12, 2016.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 Aug. 2025
-
The acid can stain or discolor the surface, possibly requiring sanding to remove.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
18 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rubbing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rubbing. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share