scrub 1 of 2

verb

Definition of scrubnext
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 How to pronounce scrub (audio)
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
Fresh produce should be thoroughly washed in running water, and fruits and vegetables with firm rinds should be scrubbed. — Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 14 July 2026 Start by scrubbing the area with a baking soda and water paste, rinse, and then spray with hydrogen peroxide and leave for 10 to 20 minutes. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 14 July 2026
Noun
That was exacerbated by the extreme heat this year in France and Spain, which in many cases turned scrub grassland into a tinderbox. — Simon Constable, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2026 At Javvu Spa, kids can indulge in treatments tailored to them, including a mini coconut scrub, a mini mani-pedi, and mini meditation sessions. — Katie Lockhart, Robb Report, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for scrub
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrub
  1. scrap
  2. toy
  3. cancel
  4. dwarf
  5. abandon
  6. diminutive
  7. revoke
  8. repeal
Verb
  • Luna was set to reprise the role in a standalone series for Hulu, but that project was scrapped in 2019.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 26 July 2026
  • The World Endurance Championship, the premier global sports car series, is set to scrap its plans to return to the Middle East at the end of the year, due to the resumption of hostilities in the region.
    — Luke Smith, New York Times, 26 July 2026
Definition of scrap
Noun
  • Zookeepers nursed him and gave him the toy to develop his gripping ability, something newborn macaques need to survive.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
  • And while there are still comic artists and writers at small tables signing and sketching, and dealers selling original art out of binders in crates, a good chunk of the space is occupied by media and toy companies, trying to outdo one another.
    — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026
Definition of toy
Verb
  • The Philippine ships eventually canceled their mission on Friday and headed back to port, citing a developing typhoon in the region.
    — Ivan Watson, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
  • The exceptions are Indiana, USC (because of the Notre Dame series falling off), Penn State and Nebraska (which canceled a series with Tennessee).
    — Seth Emerson, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of cancel
Noun
  • Norse mythology reinforced this tradition through the story of Fafnir, a dwarf transformed into a dragon by his overwhelming greed for a cursed hoard of gold.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026
  • All fir trees are useful to birds, and some are available in dwarf form for smaller gardens.
    — Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 July 2026
Definition of dwarf
Verb
  • Burke’s phone was the last device connected to the Tesla before it was abandoned, the detective said, and surveillance footage showed him near the vehicle.
    — Madeline Morrison, NBC news, 22 July 2026
  • But the threat alone has persuaded some ships to abandon their plans to exit the Red Sea heading south.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 22 July 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
  • The search result will show the surgeon’s certification status, including whether their license is active, suspended or revoked.
    — Ella Moore July 23, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026
  • Judge Kiley Stuchlik, of Idaho’s 3rd Judicial District, revoked Shaw’s bond.
    — Alex Brizee July 22, Idaho Statesman, 22 July 2026
Definition of revoke
Verb
  • Instead of lobbying for the law, Congress should be thinking about reforming, if not repealing, it.
    — James Surowiecki, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026
  • The strength of that brand allowed the local beer industry to bounce back fairly quickly after Prohibition was repealed in 1933.
    — Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 21 July 2026
Definition of repeal

Browse Nearby Words

scroungy
scrub
scrubbed
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Cite this Entry

“Scrub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrub. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on scrub

Nglish: Translation of scrub for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scrub

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