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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of rub
Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 18 Dec. 2024
Use your five-spice blend as a wing rub, as breading for pork cutlets, in a fragrant mix for cocktail peanuts, or any of the abovementioned recipes.
—Sarah Jampel, Bon Appétit, 13 Dec. 2024
Bestreviews, Sun Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2025
But also not, because soon her lower half is getting rubbed down with suntan oil by one of the cabana boys.
—Abby Aguirre, Vogue, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rub
Noun
These are seasoned with a rub of onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne, then lightly breaded before frying.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 18 Dec. 2024
Use your five-spice blend as a wing rub, as breading for pork cutlets, in a fragrant mix for cocktail peanuts, or any of the abovementioned recipes.
—Sarah Jampel, Bon Appétit, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
Dunk each brush in a mix of soap and water, then rub to work the soap through.
—Bestreviews, Sun Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2025
But also not, because soon her lower half is getting rubbed down with suntan oil by one of the cabana boys.
—Abby Aguirre, Vogue, 11 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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Religious sisters join them, wearing a variety of habits that signal their order, as well as bishops and archbishops.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
28 Feb. 2025
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While Cole pitched for the Pirates and Astros before wearing pinstripes, Fried has spent the majority of his professional career in Atlanta’s organization after initially being drafted by the Padres.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
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But any subversive edges have been sanded off this script, which is credited to five people.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
14 Feb. 2025
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Remove all doors and shelves before sanding, priming, and painting the cabinet base for a DIY island paint job.—
Abby Wolner,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Feb. 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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Navalny was a thorn in Putin’s side, exposing corruption in high places and orchestrating some of the biggest anti-government protests seen in recent years.—
Anna Cooban,
CNN,
16 Feb. 2025
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The lesser prairie chicken, which was listed in 2023, is similarly a thorn in the side of many Republicans lawmakers.—
Benji Jones,
Vox,
10 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Some industry leaders likewise wonder whether the Swiss Made label has begun to erode the very trust it was intended to secure, but few if any brands are actively clarifying their practices in marketing materials.—
Allen Farmelo,
Robb Report,
17 Feb. 2025
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Those prints found in clay are known to erode away in a matter of days or weeks — just like fresh animal tracks, the company says.—
Mark Price,
Miami Herald,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
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During the depths of the pandemic, Las Vegas’ blindingly bustling main boulevard jerked to a grinding halt that highlighted the unconventional traits of the world’s biggest entertainment mecca — like how the grand doors to Sin City’s extravagant resorts are never closed nor unstaffed.—
Leena Tailor,
The Hollywood Reporter,
21 Feb. 2025
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No Ukrainian officials were present at the meeting, which came as the beleaguered country is slowly but steadily losing ground against more numerous Russian troops in a grinding war that began nearly three years ago.—
Democrat-Gazette staff from wire reports,
arkansasonline.com,
19 Feb. 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 3 Mar. 2025.
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