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
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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
Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 6 May 2025
The pair also launched AC Barbeque together in June 2023, a lifestyle barbecue brand boasting seasonings, rubs and accessories.
—Emily Rella, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 May 2025
With this being a premium game priced at $40, that may rub some people the wrong way.
—Jason Fanelli, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rub
Noun
These ingredients add depth and a slightly earthy flavor to your rub.
—Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 6 May 2025
The pair also launched AC Barbeque together in June 2023, a lifestyle barbecue brand boasting seasonings, rubs and accessories.
—Emily Rella, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
From wearing goggles to rubbing the knife with lemon juice, home cooks have come up with a wide variety of clever tricks to keep themselves from crying while cutting onions in the kitchen.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 May 2025
With this being a premium game priced at $40, that may rub some people the wrong way.
—Jason Fanelli, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rub
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rub
Noun
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Once doctors reviewed the family’s travel history, treatment was quickly shifted to address concerns of histoplasmosis, which the CDC explains can cause cause flu-like symptoms including fever and chills, malaise, cough, headache, chest pain and body aches.—
Cara Lynn Shultz,
People.com,
23 May 2025
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Symptoms include persistent fatigue, muscle aches, joint pain, headaches, brain fog, shortness of breath and difficulty sleeping, per the Virginia Department of Health.—
Tess DeMeyer,
New York Times,
21 May 2025
Verb
-
For their big milestone, the twins wore dark blue caps and gowns with matching white asymmetrical cocktail dresses underneath, posing for photos with their classmates, friends and family members while holding flowers and their diplomas.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
People.com,
24 May 2025
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And thanks to Crocs’ waterproof material and ventilation ports, my kids wear them in the pool shower and during the car ride home without ever taking them off.—
Laura Lu,
Parents,
23 May 2025
Verb
-
The Middle East is no stranger to sand and dust storms.—
Sanam Mahoozi,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
-
Then it must be sanded smooth and weatherproofed before being decorated.—
Beth Lipoff,
Kansas City Star,
21 May 2025
Verb
-
The company has also really polished its software over the years, offering lots of customization.—
Julian Chokkattu,
Wired News,
23 May 2025
-
Pryor was a savant at polishing his challenging circumstances and debilitating neuroses into crowd-pleasing material, and this is broadly how he’s remembered in comedy history.—
Vulture Staff,
Vulture,
23 May 2025
Noun
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The Entity’s human helper Gabriel (Esai Morales) becomes more of a thorn in Ethan’s side and our heroes scatter to London, South Africa and the Arctic on a mission that would be rather impossible for anyone not named Tom Cruise.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
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Roses Landscape roses add no-fuss color and charm to your garden, but the thorns are not especially charming.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
7 May 2025
Verb
-
These changes threaten to erode biodiversity and make survival even harder for freshwater and land turtle populations.—
Dianne Plummer,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
-
Apple might be able to strike a deal with the administration — despite the eroding relationship — or challenge the tariffs in court.—
Kif Leswing,
CNBC,
23 May 2025
Verb
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The turmeric roots were chosen carefully and crushed on a sil batta (a traditional flat stone used for grinding), mixed with rosewater and milk, and placed into a ceremonial bowl.—
Sara Hussain,
Vogue,
22 May 2025
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Since Hamas’s devastating attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and Israel’s large-scale response, pro-Palestinian protests spread across the United States, including at Israeli consulates and college campuses, during the grinding conflict in Gaza.—
Adam Goldman,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
Verb
-
Team personnel filled the gap and smoothed it over to create a flat surface.—
Jeff Gluck,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
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But Ventura alleged that Combs was not in the mood to smooth things over.—
Cheyenne Roundtree,
Rolling Stone,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rub. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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