rub 1 of 2

noun

Definition of rubnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

rub

2 of 2

verb

ˈrəb How to pronounce rub (audio)
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

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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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Example 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
Noun
An intense dry rub coats the chicken both pre- and post-frying, imparting a crunchy crust with slow-building heat. — Ellen Fort, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 July 2026 The beloved mascot of Pocasset Hardware, Franklin wins everyone over with his ultra-friendly personality, generous kisses and endless requests for belly rubs. — Staff Author Updated, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026
Verb
Achord stands behind Smack each time and, before one kick, rubs his belly with his other hand over his head as some sort of signal. — Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 The tacos feature za’atar rubbed swordfish kissed by a wood-burning grill, dabbed with tangy pools of labne and a salsa arabe, similar to harissa. — The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rub
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rub
  1. headache
  2. wear
  3. sand
  4. polish
  5. thorn
  6. erode
  7. grind
  8. smooth
Noun
  • Tibbetts says the fires have already created plenty of logistics headaches.
    — Anya Kamenetz, Curbed, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Caused by parasites spread via Anopheles mosquitoes, malaria can cause symptoms including nausea, headache and intense waves of fever and chills.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of headache
Verb
  • Wear it with leggings for a travel outfit that feels a little more elevated than wearing a sweatsuit.
    — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026
  • All the guests at Bozoma Saint-John Watson's wedding to Keely Watson were asked to wear authentic Kente cloth attire.
    — Rebecca Suhrawardi, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of wear
Verb
  • Lightly sand the handles of a pair of wood or bamboo salad servers, then rinse and dry them.
    — Jodi Levine, Parents, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Before planting any hibiscus seeds, start by nicking or sanding the seeds using fine-grade sandpaper or the tip of a knife.
    — Shelby Vittek, The Spruce, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of sand
Verb
  • Weeks for the shiny new parts to be polished up before being put on the road.
    — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Schedule the playful thing, polish one detail, and let simple consistency make fun feel more satisfying.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of polish
Noun
  • Agoura’s versatile George Hastings will try to be a thorn for Westlake on offense and defense.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The Lynx played without star Courtney Williams, a thorn in the side of the Valkyries the past two years.
    — Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of thorn
Verb
  • The new king must steady royal fortunes amid damaging scrutiny of Queen Mette-Marit’s past ties to Jeffrey Epstein and stepson Marius Høiby’s rape conviction, which has eroded public support for the monarchy.
    — Jan M. Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The new home of Engine 8 — staffed by 12 firefighters who work in four-person crews — replaces its previous facility, which traces its origins back to 1913 and sits on the eroding west bank of Coyote Creek four blocks away.
    — Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of erode
Verb
  • The stock spent the fall of 2025 grinding higher along the rising 50-day, then broke into a completely different gear in the spring.
    — Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Finance ministers and central bank officials of G20 countries convene in Asheville, North Carolina on Monday and Tuesday as the US-Iran war grinds into its sixth month, raising inflation expectations and keeping energy prices elevated.
    — Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of grind
Verb
  • Investors should also not underestimate the smoothing effect of SpaceX's inclusion into major indexes like the Nasdaq 100 and Russell 1000.
    — Oliver Renick, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The lightweight formula is packed with vitamin E and niacinamide to plump and smooth your complexion while simultaneously protecting it.
    — Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of smooth

Phrases Containing rub

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royalty
rub
rubbed
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Cite this Entry

“Rub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rub. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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