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

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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

To clean your garbage disposal, Lane suggests starting by cleaning the rubber flaps by using dish soap and a brush or an old toothbrush to scrub the rubber flaps that line the disposal. — Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 6 July 2026 Was scrubbed from Friday because of bad weather in the launch recovery zone in the Atlantic. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2026

Noun

Scoop droppings under the roosts, refresh nesting box bedding, top off floor bedding, scrub and refill the waterer, wipe down the feeder. — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 30 June 2026 Layering acids with retinoids or scrubs on the same night is a common mistake that leads to irritation. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for scrub

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrub

Verb

Trump said early Friday said that the United States and Iran have agreed to continue peace talks, even though the ceasefire established by last month's preliminary deal has been scrapped.

— Azhar Sukri, CNBC, 11 July 2026
Jackson also called on her colleagues to scrap a test for gun regulations that that the court created in a landmark 2022 decision.

— Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 11 July 2026

Definition of scrap

Noun

The two 15-year-olds were allegedly drinking alcohol inside the vehicle and hanging out of the windows of the vehicle, shooting Orbeez water beads out of a toy gun.

— Noe Padilla, USA Today, 10 July 2026
You’re also not allowed to throw anything from the car—which presumably includes shooting toy guns out the window—and weapons are also not allowed.

— Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 8 July 2026

Definition of toy

Verb

Moghal said she was contacted by StubHub and told her tickets would remain canceled, then was later told the tickets would be available one hour before the game.

— Lily Wright, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Last night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz abruptly canceled a public event to hold an emergency security meeting.

— Brittney Melton, NPR, 9 July 2026

Definition of cancel

Noun

And the question is whether the planets even have atmospheres, because M dwarfs are quite active.

— Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 9 July 2026
Fell also recommends using tall plants for support, including okra or sweet corn; dwarf varieties of corn are known to do well in containers.

— Martha Ross, Mercury News, 8 July 2026

Definition of dwarf

Verb

In 1984, siblings Ramon, Ricard and Elvira were abandoned in a Barcelona train station with no luggage, no identification and no information about their family.

— Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
The government is somewhere in the middle – approving emergency AC units for hospitals while trying not to be seen as abandoning France’s insulation-first approach to heat.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 7 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 United States also issued a waiver for Iran to sell oil on the global market as part of the MOU, a major concession that briefly offered the country an economic lifeline before it was revoked July 7.

— Zac Anderson, USA Today, 8 July 2026
However, Disney, the parent company of ABC, revoked the suspension and the show has remained on air since.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Definition of revoke

Browse Nearby Words

scroungy

scrub

scrubbed

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Style

“Scrub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrub. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of scrub

verb

noun

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