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

But also, this virtual guy is just so darned persistent, popping back up on PSA’s computers even after Michael hires their previous client Vik to scrub the network. — Noel Murray, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026 Dip your brush into the soapy water, then lightly scrub each stain. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 23 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 See All Example Sentences for scrub

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrub

Verb

Savings Healey scrapped plans to lower the cash ISA allowance to £12,000.

— Marc Shoffman, TheWeek, 30 Oct. 2026
Those plans were scrapped as the president initially opted to hold a series of telerallies for Republican candidates in close races across the country.

— Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of scrap

Noun

The story of Labubu, the plush toy that became a pop culture icon and fashion accessory.

— Jenny Lee, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026
Our little skiff, known around here as an alijo, is bobbing like a toy as our captain gently tugs on a few lines descending into the water.

— Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of toy

Verb

Unlikely influencers, from foodies to mothers to retirees, are weighing in on Proposition 40, a one-time 5% tax on the assets of the state’s roughly 200 billionaires and on other ballot measures created to cancel it.

— Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
The international governing body for soccer was allowed to cancel its extra reservations — up to 5,000 rooms per night — 120 days before arrival.

— PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of cancel

Noun

While most citrus trees are too large for indoor growing, there are a few small or dwarf varieties of citrus that can be kept indoors year-round in pots.

— Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 16 Oct. 2026
These explosions, known as hypernovas, were first proposed to explain unusual stars in the halo of our galaxy, the Milky Way, and in a neighboring dwarf galaxy.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of dwarf

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

Prior to the Bilottis purchasing the building, John Seidel operated a saloon there until his liquor license was revoked by Blue Island’s City Council in 1918, according to the Blue Island Historical Society.

— Elena Tittel, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
The group had been considering revoking the endorsement of the council member over her views on Israel, which some considered insufficiently tough.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of revoke

Verb

Proposition 4 repeals California’s ban on the use of public funds to finance political campaigns.

— Kiara Adams, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2026
The questions range from potentially overturning gun laws to repealing the legalization of marijuana to eliminating political party primaries.

— Digital Producer, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of repeal

Browse Nearby Words

scroungy

scrub

scrubbed

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

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Synonyms of scrub

verb

noun

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