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
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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
Heather Riske,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 June 2026
The post-wash rub will help the oil build up over time, which keeps the pan non-stick and from rusting.
—
Katherine McLaughlin,
Architectural Digest,
4 June 2026
Literary Hub,
25 June 2026
Working with the fingertip has a sensuosity which is erotic and raw; there is something very direct about this process of drawing, rubbing, scratching and erasing.
—
Zehra Jumabhoy,
Artforum,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for rub
Noun
Use it to make your next barbecue rub or rim the glass of a Margarita, and see how even a small dose can magnify the sweetness of fresh watermelon.
—
Heather Riske,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 June 2026
The post-wash rub will help the oil build up over time, which keeps the pan non-stick and from rusting.
—
Katherine McLaughlin,
Architectural Digest,
4 June 2026
Verb
The nurse rubs circles on her lower back, clucking at the struggle of turning the pregnant body to the side like a lopsided gourd.
—
Literary Hub,
25 June 2026
Working with the fingertip has a sensuosity which is erotic and raw; there is something very direct about this process of drawing, rubbing, scratching and erasing.
—
Zehra Jumabhoy,
Artforum,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for rub
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rub
Noun
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Intense exercise on a sizzling day can lead to extreme fatigue, impaired performance, headache, irritability, nausea, dizziness, cramping and dehydration, all symptoms of exertional heat illness.
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Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome causes fatigue, fever, muscle aches, abdominal problems, headaches, chills and dizziness in the early stages, and late symptoms include chest tightness, coughing, shortness of breath and lungs filling with fluid.
Verb
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But on Wednesday, the day after Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 to secure its fourth consecutive World Cup victory, the fan and his wife, Angélica Arias, walked to the plaza wearing two identical caps.
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And even though Georgia law does not require this, all cyclists and scooterists should wear helmets.
Verb
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Their work included sanding the benches along the Naperville Riverwalk.
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The dredge is conducted by crane and excavator barges that dig sand up and deposit it in another barge.
Verb
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Parker Kitternan was busy at the console of the church's pipe organ, polishing his musical tribute for the weekend.
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Wear it with flat sandals for a beachfront dinner or add wedges and simple jewelry for an outfit that feels polished enough for a special occasion.
Noun
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Yamal was a thorn in Saudi Arabia’s side, drifting infield to unleash shots from distance but also peppering the penalty area with wicked deliveries from the right flank.
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An individual bush can grow up to 15 feet high and 40 feet long, with thick stems, also known as canes, marked by sharp, hooked thorns.
Verb
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But Koppl traced a distinctly American lineage through a chain of precedents dating back more than 50 years, each one further eroding the market discipline that profit-and-loss accountability is supposed to provide.
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Moscow says the strike was retaliation for Ukraine’s 40-day campaign on Russian oil refineries and supply lines, which has fueled shortages, hit Crimea and eroded battlefield momentum.
Verb
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So Norway’s chefs brought their own coffee beans and grind every morning.
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If tension surfaces in a chat or client meeting, ground yourself by restating the facts, then suggest a next step everyone can accept.
Verb
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The hair at the crown is smoothed back but not slick—in fact, there’s a decent amount of volume up top—with virtually no visible part.
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Dual suspension helps smooth rough trails, hydraulic disc brakes provide dependable stopping power in changing conditions, and four-inch fat tires improve traction across gravel, dirt, sand, and pavement.
Cite this Entry
“Rub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rub. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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