as in headache
something that is a source of irritation
even what seems to be a dream job usually turns out to have its fair share of rubs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to wear
to damage or diminish by continued friction
the brake pads were rubbed away as a result of years of use
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to sand
to make smooth by friction
the furniture restorer rubbed the board perfectly smooth with sandpaper
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to polish
to make smooth or glossy usually by repeatedly applying surface pressure
the butler rubbed the silver tea set until it gleamed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples 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 rub
Megan Zhang, Saveur, 13 Nov. 2024
Our observations suggest older bucks deposit pheromones on these rubs, and that plays an important role in the dominance ladder of a herd.
—Michael Hanback, Outdoor Life, 7 Nov. 2024
Azazel Jacobs, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2024
Chafing Chafing occurs when skin rubs against skin or clothing, causing friction that irritates the skin.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 27 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rub 
Noun
Shake onto eggs, or use it as a dry rub or stew enhancer.
—Megan Zhang, Saveur, 13 Nov. 2024
Our observations suggest older bucks deposit pheromones on these rubs, and that plays an important role in the dominance ladder of a herd.
—Michael Hanback, Outdoor Life, 7 Nov. 2024
Verb
Movies Review: Anticipating loss, sisters rub against old frictions in superb ‘His Three Daughters’
Sept. 6, 2024
These three different sisters are gathering for the same reason: Their father is going to pass.
—Azazel Jacobs, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2024
Chafing Chafing occurs when skin rubs against skin or clothing, causing friction that irritates the skin.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 27 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rub
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rub
Noun
-
Symptoms linked to the mystery disease include fever, headaches, coughing and anemia, raising concerns about the Congo's limited medical infrastructure.Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
-
That was until a throbbing headache set in, said Covert, 18.Erika Edwards, NBC News, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Besides being favorites among consumers while they’re being worn, Cotton Incorporated’s Jennifer Lukowiak, director of supply chain marketing, says consumers also appreciate that as a natural fiber, cotton is inherently circular and biodegradable.Catherine Salfino, Sourcing Journal, 12 Dec. 2024
-
Here, the blurring is visual: Sometimes Leonard floats into the past looking like Gere, who wears the character without a shred of self-protection as the lens gawks at his raw skin.Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
The gene-editing is an attempt to fit a square peg into a round hole — to sand off the incompatible edges of a pig organ to force it to work in a human.Rob Stein, NPR, 17 Dec. 2024
-
Remove the clamps, and sand the surface until smooth.Maria V. Charbonneaux, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
To complete the monochrome picture, which was styled by Annabelle Harron, Oprah polished things off with a pair of boots from the brand worn by Julia Roberts and her niece Emma Roberts, along with Selena Gomez and Katie Holmes.Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024
-
Behrends completes his process by polishing and buffing the sculpture before attaching it to the trophy.Bruce Martin, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Chaos has convulsed the heart of the European Union whose sanctions and military support for Kyiv have proven to be a thorn in the side of Putin's intentions.Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024
-
Home to brands such as Kim Crawford and Meiomi wines and Casa Noble and Mi Campo tequilas, the business has been a thorn in Constellation’s side.Paulina Likos, CNBC, 3 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
In both the case of malware and phishing attacks, many barriers that once helped protect users are eroding.Danny Jenkins, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
-
These factors have eroded the confidence businesses rely on to borrow, invest, expand production and take risks.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Over the last year, Russia has been on the front foot, with the exception of Kursk, and has been grinding deeper into eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region despite heavy losses.Samya Kullab and Tara Copp, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024
-
Choose your favorite salt for this recipe, and if possible, freshly grind the black pepper for the best flavor.Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
There’s even a nifty dryer attachment that swiftly smooths hair without overexposing it to heat; this is thanks to the Coanda effect, which tames hair without the need to press it against a heated surface, like a flat iron.Clara McMahon, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024
-
Packed with powerhouse ingredients like Japanese rice, green tea, and algae, this set aims to hydrate the skin and smooth any rough texture caused by dryness.Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 Dec. 2024
Articles Related to rub
Thesaurus Entries Near rub
Cite this Entry
“Rub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rub. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share