rubs 1 of 2

noun

Definition of rubsnext
plural of rub
as in headaches
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

rubs

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of rub
1
as in wears
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 grinds
to make smooth by friction the furniture restorer rubbed the board perfectly smooth with sandpaper

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in smoothes
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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rubs
  1. headaches
  2. erodes
  3. sharpens
  4. smooths
  5. frustrations
  6. irritants
Noun
  • Unfortunately, a year after the rollout of DSO, Bayer’s headaches remain.
    Chris Westfall, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Common symptoms include cough, headaches, sneezing, runny nose, and congestion.
    Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 7 Jan. 2025
Definition of headaches
Verb
  • The lack of standards for unlicensed vendors erodes the integrity of the entire industry.
    John Murn, New York Daily News, 4 Jan. 2025
  • Inconsistent use quickly erodes consumer trust.
    Jessica Wong, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
Definition of erodes
Verb
  • The National Institute of Health reports that sleep improves memory, sharpens decision-making, and enhances problem-solving skills.
    Maha Abouelenein, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
  • Mentoring also sharpens your communication and leadership skills.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Definition of sharpens
Verb
  • The formula locks in moisture, restores the skin barrier, and smoothes wrinkles.
    Toni Sutton, People.com, 30 Dec. 2024
  • Removing peach fuzz further smooths the appearance of your facial skin and can help makeup apply more easily and evenly without caking to hair.
    Carley Millhone, Health, 27 Dec. 2024
Definition of smooths
Noun
  • Kim, the Korean American artist, who is deaf, shared in an email that the billboard reflected personal frustrations.
    Travis Diehl, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
  • These writings touched on political frustrations, societal issues, and international conflicts like the war in Ukraine.
    Natalie Venegas, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
Definition of frustrations
Noun
  • Protection From Environmental Factors Protect your hands from environmental irritants by wearing good-quality gloves or mittens in cold, dry weather.
    Carrie Madormo, RN, Health, 24 Dec. 2024
  • Avoid direct contact with chemicals and any other irritants.
    Carrie Madormo, RN, Health, 24 Dec. 2024
Definition of irritants
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.

Thesaurus Entries Near rubs

rubrics

rubs

rubs elbows

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Cite this Entry

“Rubs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rubs. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on rubs

Nglish: Translation of rubs for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of rubs for Arabic Speakers

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