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
Giovanna Vazquez, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2025
The flavors feature toasted oak, maduro tobacco, and Texas barbecue dry rub notes.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Feb. 2025
Obviously one spot short is gonna rub salt in that wound a little bit.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 16 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rub
Noun
Coated with a smoky-spicy rub and scored like a Sunday roast, the cream cheese absorbs the smoke at a low temperature, infusing with deep flavor.
—Giovanna Vazquez, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2025
The flavors feature toasted oak, maduro tobacco, and Texas barbecue dry rub notes.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
Verb
If the slow cooker has a stainless-steel finish showing some streaks, rub a small amount of baby oil into the surface with a microfiber cloth to remove smudges and polish the stainless steel.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Feb. 2025
Obviously one spot short is gonna rub salt in that wound a little bit.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 16 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rub
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rub
Noun
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Both conditions also involve symptoms outside the intestines, such as headaches or brain fog.5 Only celiac disease involves symptoms related to malnutrition, which occurs because the small intestine is damaged.—
Sarah Bence,
Health,
28 Feb. 2025
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Less frequent side effects can include chest discomfort, weakness, headache, rhinitis, hypoglycemia and vitamin B12 deficiency (with long-term metformin use).—
Leslie Baumann,
Miami Herald,
27 Feb. 2025
Verb
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For the show Campbell wore a form-fitting leather jacket with a matching bodysuit.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
28 Feb. 2025
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In the photo obtained by the outlet, Sia — known for obscuring her face on stage and at public events with oversized wigs — wore her long blonde hair in beaded braids, her eyes hidden behind dark sunglasses.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The dunes there would replace some rock riprap and plastic K-rails installed there by the city to keep waves and sand out of the paved lot.—
Phil Diehl,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Feb. 2025
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Meanwhile, Kennedy appears to have gone to great lengths to sand down his extremist views and present himself as a more palatable candidate.—
Nicholas Florko,
The Atlantic,
29 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Add those things to some of the improvement areas the Bears already identified for Williams — from polishing his footwork to better understanding protection plans to mastering his reads — and the to-do list is substantial.—
Dan Wiederer,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Feb. 2025
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The single-button power control is a favorite feature of our reviewer Williams, as well as the fluffy optic cleaner head that cleans and polishes her hard floors.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
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So the duo switches gears to discuss a murder instead, with Carolyn continuing to be a thorn in Dani’s side, ixnaying every name that’s brought up in the turret.—
Nick Caruso,
TVLine,
20 Feb. 2025
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In addition, cane wounds caused by the thorns on crossing canes allow fungal pathogens to enter the cane, which can open the plant up to cane disease.—
Rita Perwich,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Spinrad said the cuts, especially of researchers who collect data that feeds into storm models, could erode the quality of hurricane forecasts going forward.—
Alex Harris,
Miami Herald,
1 Mar. 2025
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Despite creating jobs and potential environmental benefits, chronic mismanagement and escalating costs have eroded public trust, making continued taxpayer support irresponsible.—
Phillip Molnar,
The Mercury News,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Which country can field the best fiber-optic drones, and fastest, should have the edge as Russia’s wider war on Ukraine grinds into its fourth year.—
David Axe,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
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It’s certified organic by the JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standards), which is recognized by the USDA, and it’s produced and ground into powder in Kagoshima, Japan.—
Lauryn Jiles,
Miami Herald,
3 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The best eye primers for mature skin can smooth them out.—
Jennifer Hussein,
Allure,
27 Feb. 2025
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That’s the essential ingredient in this particular Broadway pie, baked as a blend of life’s ups and downs, smoothing then out into a slice of life that supports people living their dreams and learning to find their best selves.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Feb. 2025
Articles Related to rub
Cite this Entry
“Rub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rub. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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