grubs 1 of 2

Definition of grubsnext
plural of grub
as in laborers
a person who does very hard or dull work you may have to spend some time working as a grub before challenging work comes your way

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

grubs

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of grub

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 grubs
Noun
Belonging to the same group of mammals as sloths and anteaters, armadillos are voracious insectivores that eat large numbers of beetles, grubs, ants, termites, and other insects, grabbing them with their sticky tongues. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 19 May 2026 If the holes appear shallow, then they could be made by squirrels, looking for places to store nuts, or by skunks and raccoons, digging for grubs. Joan Morris, Mercury News, 18 May 2026 These microscopic organisms hunt grubs, stopping their development and protecting your plants from root damage. Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 8 May 2026 These insects, in turn, prey on common potato pests, including Colorado potato beetle grubs and aphids. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grubs
Noun
  • Repairs had been carried out in record time, with dozens of laborers working on the site at any one time.
    Amer Matar, The Dial, 26 May 2026
  • The ban on Chinese laborers entering the United States caused the men to set sail for Cuba.
    Cindy Hsu, CBS News, 26 May 2026
Verb
  • Every man and woman who labors in the construction industry deserves that.
    Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • While teachers unions have gotten the most attention, the law also affects many other public sector unions, including those that represent bus drivers, janitors, cafeteria workers and maintenance workers.
    Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 24 May 2026
  • As workers and retirees decide where to live, states that have low tax and regulatory burdens, targeted relief, and stronger budget discipline tend to gain residents, income, and reduce costs for families.
    Nicole Huyer, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2026
Verb
  • In it, a Native Hawaiian family struggles to reclaim the ancestral lands that colonization, tourism, and rampant development threaten to overrun.
    Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 29 May 2026
  • Over the last few years, Keira has lost her ability to speak, has started having seizures, and struggles more and more with walking.
    Elise Esposito, Boston Herald, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • Anyone who’s seen enough adaptations knows the difference between one that strives to apprehend the source material and one that feels derived from a Wikipedia summary.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 May 2026
  • Accessibility Ocean Casino Resort strives to provide an accessible experience for all guests.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • The arrangement works until Old Second falls in love with Shun-Er, whose wife, Yan Hua does not take it well.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
  • The wellness program works with local communities to source the delicious ingredients—like cacao, honey, rosemary and ginger—found in all of their spa products.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 May 2026
Verb
  • Things are equally akilter in his family’s home, with his mother now sitting on the couch watching TV while his father slaves away in the kitchen.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019

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Cite this Entry

“Grubs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grubs. Accessed 30 May. 2026.

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