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

Hair should feel clean, not like it was scrubbed with dish soap, and leave behind enough slip to make detangling painless. — Valeriya Chupinina, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026 Adding baking soda to interior grease stains can act as a gentle abrasive to scrub them away. — Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 16 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

In another depressing week for the UK’s public broadcaster, there were more cuts, talk of even more cuts and programs scrapped, as the BBC’s desperate bid to make the books work continues under former Google EMEA chief Matt Brittin.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2026
Yet Brazil’s count runs partially on the kind of paperless machines that the president has vowed to scrap.

— Solly Boussidan, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of scrap

Noun

The industry sees it as a test of mature animation; big studios have avoided greenlighting such films because the rating can cut into toy and merchandise revenue.

— Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
BofA’s category covers arts and crafts, hobby shops, ski resorts, outdoor retailers, educational toys and some toy stores.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of toy

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

Verb

Many hotels have abandoned single-use amenities, and the JW Marriott has followed that move by installing refillable shampoo and other containers.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 2026
Fallen trees blocked forest roads, snow forced them to abandon some attempts and return later, and on one climb, a navigation error sent them up the wrong side of the peak.

— Harllie Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 20 Oct. 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 Greenwich Sentinel reported that at a recent forum, Democrat Jill Oberlander, candidate for the town’s 36th Senate District seat, said that the law should be amended or repealed, and stressed her support for community zoning authority.

— Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026
The Trades Council endorsed the campaign for repealing the law, according to Ballotpedia, while Schmidt spent heavily to defend it.

— Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of repeal

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scroungy

scrub

scrubbed

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Style

“Scrub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrub. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of scrub

verb

noun

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