Synonyms of scrub

scrub 1 of 2

verb

as in to scrap

to put an end to (something planned or previously agreed to)

the outdoor art project was scrubbed when the organizers found out they needed permission from city hall

Synonyms & Similar Words

• scrap
• cancel
• abandon
• revoke
• repeal
• abort
• recall
• call off
• drop
• rescind
• call
• withdraw
• reverse
• cry off
• halt
• suspend
• terminate
• nullify
• end
• write off
• invalidate
• retract
• roll back
• take back
• stop
• interrupt
• abrogate
• void
• annul
• discontinue
• hold back
• recant
• relinquish
• break off
• surrender
• countermand
• give up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• keep
• continue
• engage
• start
• begin
• initiate
• promise
• undertake
• pledge
• take up
• commence
• take on

scrub

2 of 2

noun

ˈskrəb 

as in toy

something (such as an animal) much smaller than others of its kind

that scrub of a mutt turned out to be the smartest dog we ever had

Synonyms & Similar Words

• toy
• dwarf
• diminutive
• mini
• midget
• mite
• miniature
• runt
• peewee
• pygmy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• giant
• monster
• mammoth
• jumbo
• colossus
• whale
• behemoth
• titan
• leviathan
• whopper

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of scrub

Verb

Hair should feel clean, not like it was scrubbed with dish soap, and leave behind enough slip to make detangling painless. — Valeriya Chupinina, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026

Adding baking soda to interior grease stains can act as a gentle abrasive to scrub them away. — Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 16 Oct. 2026

Noun

Instead of relying on a gritty scrub (which can be harsh on delicate lip skin), Obagi’s Lip Therapy AHA+PHA Smoothing Micro-Peel uses three exfoliating acids—glycolic, lactic, and gluconolactone—to gently loosen buildup and smooth rough texture. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Oct. 2026

No tools are needed, and memobottle says the whole teardown takes about three seconds, leaving every part that touches your mouth or your water open for a proper scrub. — New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2026