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
Following the grain from top to bottom, wipe the shutters with the damp cloth, gently scrubbing any stains. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 4 Aug. 2026 Shortly after, Polk scrubbed his Instagram account clean and went dark. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Noun
Arrestingly shot – whether ochre scrub-desert or a big city scrap yard beach – speaking well of Sheik/Harbi’s larger production ambitions. — John Hopewell, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026 The property’s woodlands of oak, chestnut and pine trees host a vast number of natural botanicals; the Mediterranean scrub ultimately defines Gin del Drago’s aromatic profile and showcases the biodiversity of the estate in a glass. — Jillian Dara, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 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
  • One particularly stubborn bottleneck automatically sent recruits who wore glasses for screening for rare disqualifying eye conditions, a requirement officials eventually scrapped.
    — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • But local politicians and parties to the settlement say scrapping the Biden-era pact would require years of federal review and public engagement.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of scrap
Noun
  • Mattel is revamping its video game business with the launch of Mattel Game Studios, a division of the toy brand that will develop, publish and operate original interactive experiences inspired by Mattel IP.
    — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Authorities in Washington, DC, shut down traffic in a residential neighborhood after an adult toy was discovered outside a fire station.
    — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of toy
Verb
  • The warrants were canceled a day later following an arraignment.
    — DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • At early voting sites and on Election Day, a voter can hand in and cancel their vote-by-mail ballot at the polls and vote with a regular ballot instead.
    — Ruth Abramovitz, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of cancel
Noun
  • When a larger galaxy pulls apart a smaller dwarf galaxy, the dwarf’s stars can stretch into a stream — a cosmic breadcrumb trail of that encounter.
    — Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • To avoid this, sow dwarf crepe myrtles at least 4 to 6 feet apart, space standard-sized trees at least 8 feet from each other, and keep crepe myrtles of any size at least 3 feet away from fencing.
    — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of dwarf
Verb
  • They have both been charged with four counts of abandoning or endangering a child.
    — S.E. Jenkins, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Republicans think the fraud scandal, which led Walz to abandon his plans to run for a third term, gives them a rare opening to make inroads in an otherwise tough environment for the GOP.
    — Jonathan J. Cooper, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 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 January, major grain traders withdrew from the soy moratorium, which helped slash deforestation over its nearly two decades in effect, after top soy-producing states passed bills revoking tax benefits for participating companies.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, citizenship may be revoked if it was illegally procured or obtained through the concealment of a material fact or willful misrepresentation.
    — Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of revoke
Verb
  • On Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission voted 2-1 to repeal the cap and replace it with a new standard of review.
    — Savannah Sicurella, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The 2004 law change also said the FCC cannot repeal or modify the cap during its quadrennial reviews of media rules.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 6 Aug. 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 18 Aug. 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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