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

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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
Hancock recommends using a gritty baking soda paste to scrub plant pots and gardening tools that have soil or debris caked on. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 10 Aug. 2026 Dip a soft, old toothbrush in the soapy solution and scrub the stained area. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 9 Aug. 2026
Noun
The Century City flagship in Los Angeles, for example, carries the full women's and men's ranges alongside its more recent scrubs business, while incorporating smart fitting rooms connected to customers' membership profiles and purchase histories. — Mark Faithfull, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 Spray the problem area, wait for 30 minutes or so, and scrub until there’s little solution left. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 14 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
  • That’s not to say that Tehran is going to abandon its proxies – far from it.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
  • And it's kind of abandoned, not very well maintained at the time.
    — Sooji Nam, CBS News, 19 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 response to these findings, the Twin Rivers Unified School District voted in January to revoke the school’s charter.
    — Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Following the display, Budnik's official recognition was revoked and organizers sought the return of his physical gold medal, according to reports.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of revoke
Verb
  • After public pushback, state legislators backtracked and repealed some of the requirements.
    — Lauren Sommer, NPR, 17 Aug. 2026
  • If approved by voters, the top-two primary would be repealed and the system would revert to its prior version, insuring every qualified political party could have a candidate advance in the primary to the general election.
    — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 17 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 21 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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