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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of rub
Paula Disbrowe, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 May 2026
The breakfast casseroles were prepped, the ribs were ready for their dry rub, and the parade of sides would soon begin.
—Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 18 May 2026
Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 May 2026
Hughes was abrasive during this stint as chief of staff last year, rubbing some NASA employees the wrong way.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for rub
Noun
With a simple salt-and-pepper rub, steady low heat, and a long, patient cook, a gas grill (or charcoal setup) can absolutely get the job done.
—Paula Disbrowe, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 May 2026
The breakfast casseroles were prepped, the ribs were ready for their dry rub, and the parade of sides would soon begin.
—Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 18 May 2026
Verb
Combine two parts vinegar with one part dish soap in a spray bottle and apply it to surfaces with soap scum, rubbing it in with a sponge or brush.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 May 2026
Hughes was abrasive during this stint as chief of staff last year, rubbing some NASA employees the wrong way.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for rub
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rub
Noun
-
Pilgrims describe Hajj as a once-in-a-lifetime obligation that transcends politics, justifying high costs, logistical headaches and security fears.—
Mariam Fam,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2026
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Inhaling that vapor can cause damage, including irritation to the eyes and nose, respiratory tract and lungs, bringing on symptoms like sore throats, runny noses, itching and burning eyes, dizziness, headaches and nausea.—
Sierra van der Brug,
Oc Register,
23 May 2026
Verb
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The actress even wore them while traveling, paired with an oversized sweatshirt that’s ideal for cool cabins or crisp summer mornings.—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
26 May 2026
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For some reason, people believe that wearing a skirt requires more effort than wearing pants or shorts.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
26 May 2026
Verb
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But even slightly sanded down, their work puts other games to shame.—
Jordan Minor,
PC Magazine,
29 May 2026
-
The denim may have never been worn but it is stonewashed, sanded, chemically faded or laser-treated to look like it.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 May 2026
Verb
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Waldorf was used to seeing Shackelford addressing staff at the front of a conference room, polished in a suit and tie.—
Kavitha Surana,
CNN Money,
28 May 2026
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Another highlight of my visit was experiencing Bastien's Manicure, an in-spa collaboration with nail-care specialists Bastien Gonzalez, which pairs meticulous cuticle work and a thorough massage with a natural nail-polishing technique that eliminates the need for nail polish entirely.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 May 2026
Noun
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Other diamonds have spikier settings resembling thorns.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
27 May 2026
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Even with Wembanyama’s greatness, this series might come down to Castle’s ability to be a thorn for the two-time MVP.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
22 May 2026
Verb
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This behavior, often rewarded by leaders mistaking confidence for judgment, erodes psychological safety.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
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Frequent leadership changes have disrupted policy continuity, weakened executive authority, and eroded public trust in democratic institutions.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
27 May 2026
Verb
-
Clear one corner, ground your body, and let the next honest thought rise without forcing it.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
26 May 2026
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In those places, the slow conveyor belt of the deep may occasionally give way to something more volatile, building islands that briefly rise above the surface before waves grind them back again.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
26 May 2026
Verb
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If the hummus has separated, blend in a little water and tahini, along with the olive oil and lemon juice, to help smooth it out.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
25 May 2026
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Divide the batter evenly between the prepared baking pans and use an offset spatula to smooth the tops.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
24 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rub. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
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