as in headaches
something that is a source of irritation
even what seems to be a dream job usually turns out to have its fair share of rubs
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in wears
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 grinds
to make smooth by friction
the furniture restorer rubbed the board perfectly smooth with sandpaper
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in smoothes
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.
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Recent Examples of rubs
Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025
The hugs, kisses and belly rubs are not ending for Sgt.
—Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 28 Sep. 2025
While his rubs are spiked with both Old Bay and Pakistani flavors, his menu is inspired more by road trips he’s taken.
—Farhan Mustafa, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025
Leader delights in offering up her belly for rubs or kissing the faces of new friends.
—Jen Reeder, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
As Elordi rests his head on Isaac’s shoulder to re-create their complicated on-screen bond, Layla receives belly rubs from members of our crew.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 20 Aug. 2025
The fresh dry rubs join Popeyes’ returning sauce flavors — Signature Hot, Sweet ‘N Spicy and Honey BBQ — giving wing lovers seven bold wing flavor options to choose from.
—Moná Thomas, People.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Keith Phipps, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
Ray, grateful for the distraction, rubs my Lab behind his ears and tells me how much Michelle loved dogs.
—Ted Katauskas, Outside, 23 Sep. 2025
As the moon clashes with Mars, a partner’s behavior rubs you the wrong way.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Lenker, in plaid, rubs her eyes; James Krivchenia leans forward, sparky and alert; Meek, outdoors in the Topanga sunshine, wears cycling glasses and a frowzy hat.
—Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 4 Sep. 2025
And because fall is all about staying cozy-slash-comfy while being on your feet all day, the Bae delivers support via its ultra-contoured outsole, accommodating toe box, and collar that, though made of the rubber-adjacent Croslite proprietary material, never rubs at your feet or causes blisters.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025
These lumps typically develop in areas of the body where the skin rubs together, and can be recurrent.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 28 Aug. 2025
These blisters form a rash that often appears on the chest, shoulders, neck, thighs, along skin folds, and anywhere else your skin rubs against clothing.
—Rachael Zimlich, Verywell Health, 4 Aug. 2025
Noun
These include wanting to be near you, keeping eye contact, following you everywhere, and showing affection through cuddles or face rubs.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025
The hugs, kisses and belly rubs are not ending for Sgt.
—Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 28 Sep. 2025
While his rubs are spiked with both Old Bay and Pakistani flavors, his menu is inspired more by road trips he’s taken.
—Farhan Mustafa, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025
Leader delights in offering up her belly for rubs or kissing the faces of new friends.
—Jen Reeder, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
As Elordi rests his head on Isaac’s shoulder to re-create their complicated on-screen bond, Layla receives belly rubs from members of our crew.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 20 Aug. 2025
The fresh dry rubs join Popeyes’ returning sauce flavors — Signature Hot, Sweet ‘N Spicy and Honey BBQ — giving wing lovers seven bold wing flavor options to choose from.
—Moná Thomas, People.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Verb
Specifically, Byron’s enthusiasm for Guinness — the beer and the family — rubs him the wrong way.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
Ray, grateful for the distraction, rubs my Lab behind his ears and tells me how much Michelle loved dogs.
—Ted Katauskas, Outside, 23 Sep. 2025
As the moon clashes with Mars, a partner’s behavior rubs you the wrong way.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Lenker, in plaid, rubs her eyes; James Krivchenia leans forward, sparky and alert; Meek, outdoors in the Topanga sunshine, wears cycling glasses and a frowzy hat.
—Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 4 Sep. 2025
And because fall is all about staying cozy-slash-comfy while being on your feet all day, the Bae delivers support via its ultra-contoured outsole, accommodating toe box, and collar that, though made of the rubber-adjacent Croslite proprietary material, never rubs at your feet or causes blisters.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025
These lumps typically develop in areas of the body where the skin rubs together, and can be recurrent.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 28 Aug. 2025
These blisters form a rash that often appears on the chest, shoulders, neck, thighs, along skin folds, and anywhere else your skin rubs against clothing.
—Rachael Zimlich, Verywell Health, 4 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rubs
Noun
-
And constant headaches coming from upstairs.—
David Hudnall,
Kansas City Star,
2 Oct. 2025
-
But that will not solve all their scheduling headaches.—
Matt Slater,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Still heartbroken years after the split, Richard wears his anger and pain on his sleeve, but his only goal in life is to keep his daughter safe.—
Claire Franken,
TVLine,
6 Oct. 2025
-
Her design uses the Union Jack for the lining that Yasmin Le Bon wears in the campaign with a Breton T-shirt, white trousers and riding boots.—
Hikmat Mohammed,
Footwear News,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The White House is halting $18 billion in New York infrastructure funding due to concerns over diversity and inclusion practices and as the first day of a federal shutdown grinds government work to a halt.—
Gregory Korte,
Fortune,
1 Oct. 2025
-
This all-in-one machine grinds and brews for maximum freshness, dispensing the perfect dose of caffeine each time.—
Christopher Murray
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Since his introduction in Peacemaker’s first season, the sarcastic, Cheeto-devouring martial arts expert has been one of the sharpest thorns in the sides of the 11th Street Kids.—
Scott Meslow,
Vulture,
3 Oct. 2025
-
One was treated for minor injuries, likely from rose-bush thorns, Christensen said.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
22 Aug. 2025
Verb
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If the veracity and reliability of government data are regularly criticized and devalued by the administration anytime the facts contradict the administration’s positions, and those who speak out are at risk of losing their jobs, trust in all government data, and the agencies themselves, erodes.—
Sheldon Jacobson,
Twin Cities,
25 Sep. 2025
-
That erodes public trust in the armed forces.—
Kristina Mani,
The Conversation,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The single-button power control is a favorite feature of our reviewer Williams, as well as the fluffy optic cleaner head that cleans and polishes her hard floors.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
25 Sep. 2025
-
Next, the gel polishes themselves had to work with the specific wavelengths of the Olive & June lamp.—
Megan McIntyre,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Conjuring the troubled inner life of a young, beautiful and successful Buenos Aires fashion designer with an uncommon mix of stylistic rigor and feeling, the film frays your nerves.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
13 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
-
Beyond the fun of construction, the set sharpens problem-solving and critical thinking skills while reinforcing STEM concepts in a way that feels hands-on and exciting.—
Emily Glover,
Parents,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rubs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rubs. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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