SCRUB Synonyms: 70 Similar and Opposite Words

scrub 1 of 2

verb

Definition of scrub

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 scrub

Verb

The decision will aid states that seek to scrub their voter rolls and remove those who are not citizens. — Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026 Rinse it all off and enjoy a fresh, welcoming space that’s as good as new, no major scrubbing marathon required. — Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2026

Noun

But a free-ranging deer of such size and age in Florida’s palmetto scrub country is a giant among giants. — Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 24 Sep. 2026 Then spray a soft cloth or clean toothbrush with vinegar and scrub the dish rack. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scrub

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrub

Verb

Other countries have also scrapped cash-for-residency programs, citing concerns ranging from dirty money to housing affordability.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
There is a strong cargo backdrop as shippers scrap for space.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of scrap

Noun

Mattel on Wednesday named Roger Lynch as its new CEO and chairman, succeeding Ynon Kreiz, who the toy giant says is leaving for a role at another public company.

— Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026
The toy maker named Roger Lynch as its new CEO and chairman, according to a company statement.

— Liz Napolitano,Hugh Leask,Justina Lee,Fred Imbert, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of toy

Verb

Cage previously starred in the first two Ghost Rider movies, a franchise now being revived by Ryan Gosling, and as Spider-Noir in both the animated Beyond the Spider-Verse films and the live-action series Prime Video just canceled.

— Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
One Elk Grove City Council race is on the ballot this November, after two other races were canceled and the incumbents were appointed to new terms because no challengers filed to run.

— Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of cancel

Verb

Joe Raedle/Getty Images A North Miami Beach, Florida, mom is facing child neglect charges after allegedly abandoning her four children -- including a 2-month-old and a 2-year-old -- to go on a cruise to the Bahamas, according to court documents.

— Clara McMichael, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026
Meanwhile, the prime minister is having to claw back progressives who defected to the Green Party as left-wing factions abandoned Starmer’s Labour over the party’s stance on issues like net zero and the Gaza conflict.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of abandon

Noun

The more common nickname, El Mencho, is said to be a diminutive of his first name, Nemesio.

— Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
Another gender-neutral name that had a burst of popularity in the ‘80s and ‘90s, Jamie was a go-to for girls or a diminutive of James for boys.

— Kara Nesvig, Parents, 20 Feb. 2026

Definition of diminutive

Verb

In 2021, Cruz sought to revoke Major League Baseball’s century-old antitrust immunity after the MLB decided to move its All-Star Game from Atlanta in response to a new Georgia voting law civil rights groups had criticized as restrictive.

— Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 28 Sep. 2026
And in 2018 the administration revoked the credentials of CNN’s Jim Acosta, who successfully challenged his exclusion in court, a sequence that was repeated this week.

— Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of revoke

Verb

Trump’s proclamation would have delayed compliance with the tougher standards from 2027 until 2029, though EPA ultimately repealed them in February.

— Luke Fountain, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
Their best option would be to present a motion at the County Commission’s first October meeting to repeal the ordinance establishing the force.

— Zoey Thomas, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of repeal

Browse Nearby Words

scroungy

scrub

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“Scrub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrub. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of scrub

verb

noun

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