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
Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 30 Jan. 2026
After sitting for a few minutes, the original color rubs or peels away to reveal a natural-looking rosy stain.
—Grace McCarty, Glamour, 29 Jan. 2026
Andrew Greif, NBC news, 10 Feb. 2026
When the hook comes back around, he’s still posted in that corner, this time rubbing his hands together like a Birdman reaction gif.
—Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rub
Noun
The traditional buffalo, honey BBQ, or house dry rub Jumbo Wings – bone-in chicken served with your choice of sauce and paired with carrots, celery, and bleu cheese dressing – are easy to return to between drives.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 30 Jan. 2026
After sitting for a few minutes, the original color rubs or peels away to reveal a natural-looking rosy stain.
—Grace McCarty, Glamour, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
Johnson sighed and rubbed a hand over her head in relief.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 10 Feb. 2026
When the hook comes back around, he’s still posted in that corner, this time rubbing his hands together like a Birdman reaction gif.
—Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rub
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rub
Noun
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Psyduck, one of the main Pokémon used by Misty in the series, was a water-type who could use powerful psychic moves, but the timing and effectiveness of its abilities was disrupted by its constant headaches.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
9 Feb. 2026
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On the same day Amber Glenn won Olympic gold as part of the team event and stepped away from social media due to backlash over her comments on politics and the LGBTQ+ community, the American figure skater ended up with another headache.—
Dave Skretta,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Cody Powers said that his mother wore State Farm sweatshirts and T-shirts and entered every promotion the company offered.—
J.C. Hallman,
Oklahoman,
10 Feb. 2026
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Complex magazine also reported that the number may have served as a tribute to the singer's late uncle, who wore 64 as a football player.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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To smooth rough wood, sand the handles with medium-grit sandpaper and rub them with linseed oil.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
10 Feb. 2026
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City of Dallas has only eight snow plows The city of Dallas has only eight snow plows and about 100 sanding trucks for 11,700 lane miles of roads, forcing it to prioritize.—
Julia James,
Dallas Morning News,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Set the scene Set on a leafy corner of Recoleta, close enough to the action but removed from the tourist hubbub, Sofitel is polished without being stuffy, the kind of place where everyone looks put-together even at breakfast.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Feb. 2026
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Many are polished enough to appear legitimate at first glance.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
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In Christianity, its leaves represent the crown of thorns and berries Christ’s blood.—
Clarence Schmidt,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
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According to fashion reporter Jarrod Jenkins, who shared a video of the event on his Instagram, Taylor said the theme of her previous Air Jordan 1 Zoom Cmft collaboration was centered around the rose, while the new Air Jordan 3 project hones in on the thorns.—
Riley Jones,
Footwear News,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Meanwhile, the sinkhole had grown to 7 feet across and 10 feet deep and continues to actively erode the ground around it, Krul told The Star.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
11 Feb. 2026
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But multiple flood events over the decades have continued to erode the older infrastructure, leaving parts of it unsupported.—
Dante Motley,
Austin American Statesman,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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These choppers fit together like puzzle pieces, allowing the animal to grind up tough, fibrous plants.—
Lily Hautau,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
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Hawke’s fifth nomination — his first in lead actor — feels like a career acknowledgment for decades of grinding in the Hollywood industry.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Appealing Venus is parading into your 6th House of Habits, bringing sweetness to routines and smoothing dynamics, which suits a diplomatic style of handling events.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
10 Feb. 2026
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To smooth the transition, start making changes earlier in the day, Popp suggested.—
Jamie Ducharme,
Health,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rub. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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