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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of rub
Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 18 Dec. 2024
Use your five-spice blend as a wing rub, as breading for pork cutlets, in a fragrant mix for cocktail peanuts, or any of the abovementioned recipes.
—Sarah Jampel, Bon Appétit, 13 Dec. 2024
Bestreviews, Sun Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2025
But also not, because soon her lower half is getting rubbed down with suntan oil by one of the cabana boys.
—Abby Aguirre, Vogue, 11 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for rub 
Noun
These are seasoned with a rub of onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne, then lightly breaded before frying.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 18 Dec. 2024
Use your five-spice blend as a wing rub, as breading for pork cutlets, in a fragrant mix for cocktail peanuts, or any of the abovementioned recipes.
—Sarah Jampel, Bon Appétit, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
Dunk each brush in a mix of soap and water, then rub to work the soap through.
—Bestreviews, Sun Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2025
But also not, because soon her lower half is getting rubbed down with suntan oil by one of the cabana boys.
—Abby Aguirre, Vogue, 11 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for rub
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rub
Noun
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The parasites' arrival in the central nervous system is often marked by a headache.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
13 Feb. 2025
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Your child shows physical signs of stress like frequent headaches, stomachaches, or changes in appetite.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Parents,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
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As the United States waged war in Vietnam in the 1960s, the Supreme Court said a Des Moines high school could not prevent students from wearing black armbands in support of a truce.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA TODAY,
17 Feb. 2025
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Timothée Chalamet wore a black Bottega Veneta suit with a Cartier necklace that featured a panther pendant.—
Hikmat Mohammed,
WWD,
16 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The wood is cut and typically sanded and painted, using the kit’s axles and wheels.—
Karie Angell Luc,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Jan. 2025
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Nubuck leather is formed from the top of the animal hide which is finely sanded and buffed to produce the softest, velvety leather finish.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
22 Jan. 2025
Verb
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In one fell swoop, that verdict rejected decades of Madigan and his loyalists polishing the image of the once-mighty speaker as a politician above reproach, a statesman who never crossed the line, a lawyer with a personal code of conduct that kept him on the straight and narrow.—
Megan Crepeau,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Feb. 2025
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Jenner’s nails were styled in a minimalist almond shape and polished in a cloudy, pink-nude manicure.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
15 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Navalny was a thorn in Putin’s side, exposing corruption in high places and orchestrating some of the biggest anti-government protests seen in recent years.—
Anna Cooban,
CNN,
16 Feb. 2025
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The lesser prairie chicken, which was listed in 2023, is similarly a thorn in the side of many Republicans lawmakers.—
Benji Jones,
Vox,
10 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Some industry leaders likewise wonder whether the Swiss Made label has begun to erode the very trust it was intended to secure, but few if any brands are actively clarifying their practices in marketing materials.—
Allen Farmelo,
Robb Report,
17 Feb. 2025
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Any government efforts to erode this fundamental freedom deserve condemnation.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The Jordan Feed Mill has recently won a certificate from the Ralston Purina Company for the accuracy and uniformity of its custom grinding service.—
Bernice Hoffman,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
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The Avs weathered a grinding opening period to pull away for a 2-0 victory over the Flyers at Ball Arena.—
Kyle Newman,
The Denver Post,
2 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The formula is packed with keratins and proteins to fortify the nails, while key ingredients like cellulose, silica, celery seed extract, and camellia oil help smooth and strengthen.—
Iman Balagam,
Vogue,
15 Feb. 2025
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The two that were closed – runways 4/22 and 15/33 – are shorter than the main runway and typically used during busier periods at the airport to alleviate congestion and smooth the flow of traffic into and out of DCA.—
Russell Lewis,
NPR,
11 Feb. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Rub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rub. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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