1
as in destroying
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
2
as in murdering
to put to death deliberately
an elaborate setup to rub out rival mobsters
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in eradicating
to destroy all traces of
a promise to rub out the city's drug trade
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of rubbing out
Also on the trail is a gangster named Clyde (John Magaro), who’s been sent to redo the job of rubbing out the mysteriously undead Ida.
—
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2026
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rubbing out
Verb
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Giant sheets of plastic hang from the ceiling to separate different areas for destroying things and painting.—
Michael Butler,
Miami Herald,
15 May 2026
-
Pests and wood-destroying organisms Charlotte’s warm, humid climate makes termites a year-round threat, not just seasonal.—
Ryan Brennan
May 15,
Charlotte Observer,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
The story follows a respected college basketball coach who is accused of murdering his mistress.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
12 May 2026
-
Smith was convicted and sentenced to life for murdering her sons.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
12 May 2026
Verb
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The new state consumer services agency will focus on eradicating junk fees, increasing online privacy protections and overseeing oil companies, according to Newsom’s office.—
Lia Russell,
Sacbee.com,
12 May 2026
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But roots can be deep and seeds can spread easily, making eradicating invasive plants difficult.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
Unchecked homelessness is ruining our cities and communities.—
Kaitlyn Schallhorn,
Oc Register,
4 May 2026
-
Most homeowners are surprised to learn the buzzing nuisance ruining their evenings probably started life just steps from the back door.—
Ryan Brennan
April 30,
Miami Herald,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Mangione is accused of assassinating UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.—
Adam Sabes , Maria Paronich,
FOXNews.com,
13 May 2026
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Making a disgusting joke about assassinating the President #2.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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It was delivered with a celebratory tone for the first-year mayor in erasing a massive funding gap.—
Amethyst Martinez,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
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Then, in 2022, with those practices firmly in place, the city's reading scores began to skyrocket, erasing pandemic-era losses and rising back around 2017 levels.—
Cory Turner,
NPR,
13 May 2026
Verb
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Throughout its run, the production has become a box office phenomenon, repeatedly shattering house records and becoming the first show in the venue's 121-year history to gross more than $1 million in a single week.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
9 May 2026
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In what was undoubtedly earth shattering news for anyone with a tattoo of a chef's knife on their forearm, the trailer for the Anthony Bourdain biopic, Tony, dropped this week.—
Sam Stone,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
8 May 2026
Verb
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Then, Sky slammed Asuka and jumped off the table, taking out Asuka with a crossbody block.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2026
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Instead of slaying a burgundy and blue dragon by taking out the Avs’ second-best player, the Wild officially woke up the beast.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rubbing out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rubbing%20out. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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