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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
The array of sauces and dry rubs are available this holiday season on the Sniffin Griffins website for all your tailgate needs as the perfect sweet and smoky addition for an array of fishes, chickens, steaks, hot dogs and more.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 11 Dec. 2024
David Leonhardt, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
This drop in estrogen can lead to thinning cartilage, ultimately causing bones to rub together and increase joint pain.
—Jennifer Shanker, Flow Space, 16 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for rub 
Noun
More From Newsweek Vault: Walmart+ Members Get New Perk Aimed at Pet Owners
In the clip, Mady walks through the door, and Chippie immediately rolls onto her back, pleading for belly rubs.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
The array of sauces and dry rubs are available this holiday season on the Sniffin Griffins website for all your tailgate needs as the perfect sweet and smoky addition for an array of fishes, chickens, steaks, hot dogs and more.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
Then use a paper towel to rub a dime-size dollop of beeswax across the surface — this helps lock in the moisture and keep the wood in tip-top condition.
—David Leonhardt, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
This drop in estrogen can lead to thinning cartilage, ultimately causing bones to rub together and increase joint pain.
—Jennifer Shanker, Flow Space, 16 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for rub
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rub
Noun
-
Other research has found that living near a factory farm is positively associated with risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and leukemia, and people who live near them report higher rates of headaches, depression, anger, and respiratory symptoms, such as asthma.—
Kenny Torrella,
Vox,
23 Jan. 2025
-
Stone developed a powder from this bark which, while extremely bitter, proved an effective treatment for headaches.—
Bill Frist,
Forbes,
20 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The superstar took to her Instagram Stories on Wednesday (Jan. 23) to share a video wearing headphones while sitting at what appears to be a studio desk, before grabbing the phone and turning it around to reveal the screen in front of her, blocking its contents with a red heart emoji.—
Rania Aniftos,
Billboard,
23 Jan. 2025
-
Vogue Shopping The insider’s guide to what to shop and how to wear it.—
Chioma Nnadi,
Vogue,
23 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Over time, digested in larger quantities, this entertainment sands away the distinctions between this and that until context collapses into a river of color and sound.—
Helen Holmes,
New York Times,
22 Jan. 2025
-
Your stepfather sanded floors, and your mom worked at a bank.—
Michael Schulman,
The New Yorker,
12 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The stage is set for a celebration of artistry and innovation that polishes LVMH’s prominence in the world of luxury timepieces.—
Cassell Ferere,
Forbes,
22 Jan. 2025
-
For the 27-year-old singer-rapper, that’s meant releasing a string of singles, polishing up a debut album, delivering show-stopping performances and making her acting debut in Mike White’s White Lotus.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
13 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
That matters because battery life has been a thorn in the Pixel Watch’s side.—
Sheena Vasani,
The Verge,
18 Jan. 2025
-
Licensing delays at the Federal Aviation Administration have been a thorn in SpaceX's side for the last couple of years.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
16 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Some market watchers said such moves would help weaken the dollar, bolstering exports and eroding America’s huge trade deficit, a point of frustration for Trump.—
Andrew Ross Sorkin,
New York Times,
24 Jan. 2025
-
This shift has eroded our industrial base, closing factories, costing jobs and weakening domestic production.—
Matthew Putman,
Forbes,
24 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The latter caused film and television production to grind to a virtual halt, which has since caused a contraction in the entertainment industry across all segments, from executives and creatives to third-party vendors like catering and pr firms and — ahem — news media covering the industry.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
28 Jan. 2025
-
Police allege that Murthy spent eight hours destroying evidence, including grinding her bones into powder and flushing some remains, while keeping others in the house for later disposal.—
Samira Asma-Sadeque,
People.com,
28 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The products effectively target signs of aging thanks to powerful formulas that contain ingredients like caffeine, antioxidants, vitamin E, vitamin F, and other proprietary blends that smooth uneven skin tone, dullness, and wrinkles.—
Taylor Lane,
Flow Space,
21 Jan. 2025
-
The buttery stick shadow—which provides eight-hour wear—is infused with collagen to smooth and firm the eyelids.—
Jenny Berg,
Vogue,
21 Jan. 2025
Articles Related to rub
Thesaurus Entries Near rub
Cite this Entry
“Rub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rub. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share