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
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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
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Recent Examples of rub
Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2025
However, in such situations, most people would at least try to help with a gentle rub on the back.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
Joe Joyce, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Mar. 2025
The American Academy of Ophthalmology warns that in some cases, putting too much pressure on the eyeball or rubbing your eyes too often could cause damage to the eyes or eyelids.
—Siena Gagliano, Allure, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rub
Noun
This all came to light after a recent dinner where my brother noticed this kiss (and a cheek rub) and questioned her.
—Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2025
However, in such situations, most people would at least try to help with a gentle rub on the back.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
The White Lotus is a show that loves to rub your nose in the contradictions.
—Joe Joyce, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Mar. 2025
The American Academy of Ophthalmology warns that in some cases, putting too much pressure on the eyeball or rubbing your eyes too often could cause damage to the eyes or eyelids.
—Siena Gagliano, Allure, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rub
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rub
Noun
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Avantree Cord Organizer $7 at Amazon Cord clutter is a universal travel headache.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Mar. 2025
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While blazes like this one can be a major headache for people, fire is also a critical part of South Florida’s ecosystem — particularly the Everglades.—
Alex Harris,
Miami Herald,
22 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Others wear sweatshorts and the pirate-like Raiders jerseys of our city’s former football team.—
George B. Sánchez-Tello,
Rolling Stone,
23 Mar. 2025
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The pink and blue undertones make this classic red shade really pop, especially when paired with a little black dress or the black leather skirt set Gomez wore the very same day.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
23 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Related Articles One of Shields’ hosting looks featured a suit with juxtaposing colors of gray and sand with pinstripe detail by KidSuper.—
Julia Teti,
WWD,
10 Mar. 2025
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Most stars sand down the rough edges for big-paycheck roles like that.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
8 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Due to Star Wars Outlaws’ reception, particularly about its glitches, developer Ubisoft took the extra time to polish Assassin’s Creed Shadows.—
George Yang,
Rolling Stone,
18 Mar. 2025
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The 80-room property was purchased in 2009 by the R Collection, a group of 12 luxurious hotels owned by the Rocchi family, and has since been polished to five-star standards.—
Gina DeCaprio Vercesi,
Travel + Leisure,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
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In the past two seasons, the Nuggets have been a thorn in the Lakers' side, being eliminated by Denver in the playoffs.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
20 Mar. 2025
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Property taxes are a thorn in the side of homeowners.—
Maddie McGay,
USA TODAY,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Conversely, poor communication quickly erodes credibility, limiting potential growth.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
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Over time, excessive tilling leads to eroded and diminished topsoil, polluted waterways and ultimately less-vigorous crops and harvests.—
Anthony Reardon,
Kansas City Star,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
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This year, really grinding through a lot of different rosters, lot of different changes.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
29 Mar. 2025
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Many golf fans will be familiar with Kim based on his presence on X, formerly Twitter, but Kim has been grinding hard to get to Augusta National.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Lucy asked, pressing her free thumb between her sister’s brows to smooth the skin there.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
People.com,
19 Mar. 2025
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The calming mix of colloidal oatmeal, beta-glucan (a skin repairing molecule that smooths rough skin), and glycerin is extremely gentle and more than suitable for sensitive skin, too.—
Mary Honkus,
Glamour,
15 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rub. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
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