as in dilapidated
showing signs of advanced wear and tear and neglect
changed into an old flannel shirt and a scrubby pair of jeans to clean out the garage
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Recent Examples of scrubby
Nothing on the surface of this scrubby expanse of western Nevada desert, overlooked by towering, craggy mountains, gives even a hint of what lies beneath.
—
Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 12 Dec. 2025
Its clear, shallow waters were pleasant to wade into after lazing under one of the scrubby trees on the sand.
—Lucy Handley, CNBC, 15 Nov. 2025
The exfoliating solution also features pore-clearing salicylic acid and soothing witch hazel, all infused in a very scrubby, textured pad.
—Emily Orofino, Vogue, 12 Mar. 2025
The forests will be scrubbier and more open.
—Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 27 Feb. 2023
See All Example Sentences for scrubby
Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 12 Dec. 2025
Its clear, shallow waters were pleasant to wade into after lazing under one of the scrubby trees on the sand.
—Lucy Handley, CNBC, 15 Nov. 2025
The exfoliating solution also features pore-clearing salicylic acid and soothing witch hazel, all infused in a very scrubby, textured pad.
—Emily Orofino, Vogue, 12 Mar. 2025
The forests will be scrubbier and more open.
—Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 27 Feb. 2023
See All Example Sentences for scrubby
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrubby
Adjective
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The project was planned to clear the area of outdated and dilapidated buildings, to attract new businesses and promote economic revitalization.—
Jessica Alvarado Gamez,
Denver Post,
27 Jan. 2026
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The trip could also see China give the go-ahead for the UK to rebuild its dilapidated embassy in Beijing.—
Brendan Murray,
Bloomberg,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The department issued heavy fines and ultimately shuttered a neglected building in Denver’s uptown neighborhood last year that was owned by CBZ Management.—
Sam Tabachnik,
Denver Post,
8 Jan. 2026
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The narrative highlights the growing, unseen populations of lonely and neglected individuals, shedding light on a vital but often ignored aspect of public care.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Scrubby.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrubby. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
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