rubbing

verb

Definition of rubbingnext
present participle of rub
1
as in wearing
to damage or diminish by continued friction the brake pads were rubbed away as a result of years of use

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in grinding
to make smooth by friction the furniture restorer rubbed the board perfectly smooth with sandpaper

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in polishing
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

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rubbing
  1. grinding
  2. polishing
  3. eroding
  4. filing
  5. smoothing
  6. fraying
  7. scraping
  8. buffing
Verb
  • Russia’s grinding war in Ukraine since 2022 has sucked in manpower and resources.
    Rob Picheta, CNN, 9 Dec. 2024
  • The drink was made by grinding up cocoa seeds.
    Joe Difazio, USA TODAY, 8 Dec. 2024
Definition of grinding
Verb
  • Some edits and modifications were implemented with the goal of polishing Shakespeare’s language to fit more contemporary voices, trimming down lengthy plots, and adapting 16th-century plays to 17th-century London’s smaller theaters.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Dec. 2024
  • The micro-polishing crystals remove dull skin and reveal a bright, smooth complexion.
    Bridget Degnan, People.com, 3 Dec. 2024
Definition of polishing
Verb
  • Illiquidity is another key drawback, particularly in cask investments, as funds are tied up for years during maturation, with additional costs for storage, insurance and bottling eroding potential returns.
    Anthony Zhang, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Disputes, manufacturing delays, and eroding market trust have eclipsed the company's heritage over decades of greatness.
    Jim Osman, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
Definition of eroding
Verb
  • Topline Grocery store chain Albertsons formally terminated nearly $25 billion merger agreement with rival Kroger on Wednesday, a day after a federal judge blocked the deal—with Albertsons filing a lawsuit accusing Kroger of failing to win regulatory approval for the agreement.
    Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Topline Grocery store chain Albertsons formally terminated nearly $25 billion merger agreement with rival Kroger on Wednesday, a day after a federal judge blocked the deal—with Albertsons filing a lawsuit accusing Kroger of failing to win regulatory approval for the agreement.
    Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Definition of filing
Verb
  • Editors and dermatologists alike love it for its fine line–smoothing powers, along with its ability to dramatically lighten dark spots caused by sun damage.
    Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 11 Dec. 2024
  • This oil is also spiked with rice bran oil, which is rich in skin-smoothing antioxidants.
    Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 6 Dec. 2024
Definition of smoothing
Verb
  • And cheaper polo belts are stitched with shorter pieces of thread which will unravel over time, creating a fraying effect—but the best quality belts are stitched from longer pieces of thread which won’t unravel.
    Todd Plummer, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2024
  • Now imagine the fingers are fraying at the tips, like old rope, and that your arm is disconcertingly thin.
    Blake Nelson, The Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2024
Definition of fraying
Verb
  • To remove tree sap stains, start by scraping off as much residue as possible using a dull knife.
    Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Givens opened the door and jumped out, rolling onto the street, badly scraping her arms, legs and stomach.
    John Diedrich, Journal Sentinel, 5 Dec. 2024
Definition of scraping
Verb
  • The outside of these types of receptacles need a bit of buffing with a dry microfiber towel to rid of fingerprints, smudges, and stains.
    Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2024
  • Finally, to ensure the doors are working smoothly, Sibley suggests applying high-quality car wax to the aluminum, buffing off the wax with a microfiber towel, and then finishing with a light coat of WD40 or Silicone spray on the rollers.
    Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 14 Oct. 2024
Definition of buffing
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.

Thesaurus Entries Near rubbing

rubbery

rubbing

rubbing elbows

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Cite this Entry

“Rubbing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rubbing. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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More from Merriam-Webster on rubbing

Nglish: Translation of rubbing for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of rubbing for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rubbing

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