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
Treat stubborn stains with another dab of liquid oxygen bleach, gently rubbing it into the fibers.
—
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 16 Jan. 2026
Moore picks up her little one and starts kissing her all over, rubbing her up and down her chest.
—Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
According to the court document, students said they were videotaped alone in a classroom with Illanes, with allegations of removing clothing and rubbing their backs.
—Karen Morfitt, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
Pretty much rubbing two nickels together.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rubbing
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 16 Jan. 2026
Moore picks up her little one and starts kissing her all over, rubbing her up and down her chest.
—Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
According to the court document, students said they were videotaped alone in a classroom with Illanes, with allegations of removing clothing and rubbing their backs.
—Karen Morfitt, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
Pretty much rubbing two nickels together.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rubbing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rubbing
Verb
-
Some people even shared old photos of Indigenous peoples wearing the hoods, noting that the originators of the design kept the fur outward to break cold wind and trap snow.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Chavez posted a photo of Gregory Bovino walking down 33rd Street and Portland Avenue, flanked by three agents wearing masks.—
WCCO Staff,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Most entrepreneurs are grinding themselves into the ground following advice that wasn't made for them.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
At times, the noise of grinding gears can obscure the soprano whoops and wails of the preschoolers.—
Christopher Buchanan,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
One air bubble can destroy a $10,000 piece at the polishing stage.—
Lilian Raji,
Forbes.com,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Advanced packaging – Disco Japan's Disco manufactures processing equipment and tools for the creation of computer chips, specializing in grinding and polishing equipment, which is part of the advanced packaging process.—
Tasmin Lockwood,
CNBC,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
An explanation without an outcome quickly turns into a trust-eroding excuse.—
Shep Hyken,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
-
For this new study, a group of federal scientists ran an analysis comparing how much flooding South Florida’s coast would see today in a hurricane versus after a century of eroding reefs.—
Alex Harris,
Miami Herald,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
If some companies, like BP and Total acquiesced, others like Exxon and Conoco packed up and left, writing off $billions and filing international arbitration claims that dissuaded many firms from seeking to establish operations in the country.—
Scott Montgomery,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
-
If the Good family can’t make a deal with the administration during the claims process, the next step is filing a lawsuit.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
25 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Scrub with a Pumice Stone Pumice stones, sometimes called scouring sticks, aren’t just for smoothing rough heels.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Myriad attachments — including curling barrels, smoothing brushes, and a straightener — grant you endless style possibilities.—
Jacqueline Kilikita,
Refinery29,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The magic sauce lies in Brooklinen using long-staple cotton, which keeps the fibers from fraying and feeling rough.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
20 Jan. 2026
-
January 20 – February 18 Loose ends may be fraying the edges of your nervous system.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
18 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The city has sanding and salting crews ready to go, Brockman added.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 Jan. 2026
-
Meanwhile, other refinements included sanding and polishing the carbon-fiber composite surface.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rubbing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rubbing. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
