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

The last vestiges of the Jim Harbaugh era have been scrubbed from the football program, which now belongs to Kyle Whittingham. — Austin Meek, New York Times, 21 July 2026 SpaceX is planning to launch a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 24 Starlink satellites into low orbit on Tuesday after scrubbing the mission before takeoff on Monday. — Lora Kolodny,samantha Subin, CNBC, 21 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

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

As of this week, the committee’s previous recommendation to revoke Eastside’s request for proposal to build the redevelopment had not garnered final approval by, or appeared on a meeting agenda of, the Unified Government Board of Commissioners.

— Sofi Zeman July 30, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
McDonald, though, said national leaders have warned that barring transgender members would open the DAR up to having its tax-exempt status revoked, which McDonald disputes.

— Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 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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Style

“Scrub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrub. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of scrub

verb

noun

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