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

Use a circular motion to clean the surface, and don’t scrub too hard. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2026 Previously, Ars reported on a controversial dataset that was later scrubbed after researchers found CSAM in the training data, but there’s no indication xAI trained on that data. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2026

Noun

The three offerings are in addition to a healthy range of typical spa choices like massages, scrubs, facials, red light therapy, dry brushing and more. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 On top of the $255 registration fee, the 26-year-old bartender also had to pay for a background check, scrubs, a stethoscope, special shoes and a state certification exam — all while working half as much to make time for her classes. — ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scrub

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrub

Verb

But for my money, few players bring a more impactful set of skills to a club scrapping to stay in the Premier League.

— David Ornstein, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
But Cargill, Michin and B-Fab have continuously been scrapping with Flair, Bliss and Paxley with Cargill and Flair seemingly fighting for the top contender spot to Chelsea Green’s women’s title.

— Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of scrap

Noun

This season, however, he’s expected to be more than a frenetic wind-up toy.

— Andy Behrens, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
We’re meant to guess that Lil Ant wants to be a pilot, a point that feels wobbly even though the kid spends a dozen scenes running around with a toy plane.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of toy

Verb

Barca saved money on Joao Cancelo after he and Al Hilal cancelled his contract, but he’ll hardly be paid buttons.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Holiday events, parades and fireworks celebrations were canceled across parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic because of the extreme heat, USA TODAY previously reported.

— Ignacio Calderon, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of cancel

Noun

The image, captured a year earlier by the Hubble Space Telescope, showed UGC 9050-Dw1, a dwarf galaxy some 115 million light-years from Earth.

— Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Watching all ten members sing at once is funny the way the seven dwarves all sleeping in their little beds next to each other is funny.

— Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of dwarf

Verb

Tyler told her the procession put a smile on everyone’s face, particularly when the grandmothers abandoned the usual petal-tossing technique and began throwing flowers at the guests instead.

— Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2026
The trade forced the UK to abandon its efforts to prop up the currency – and netted Soros more than a billion dollars.

— Matt Egan, CNN Money, 15 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

The Biden administration later revoked that rule and adopted a policy excluding non-cash benefits from consideration.

— Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 14 Sep. 2026
After the hearing, La Strada was allegedly told to speak with Hoskins, who confirmed his badge was revoked at Hoskins’ direction.

— Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of revoke

Verb

On his 71st birthday, Pope Leo XIV gave Vatican workers a raise, repealing pandemic-era salary cuts and frozen pay hikes first imposed under Pope Francis to shore up finances.

— Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Environmental groups say the move to repeal power plant rules will increase pollutants that harm human health.

— Julia Simon, NPR, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of repeal

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scroungy

scrub

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“Scrub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrub. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of scrub

verb

noun

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