scrub 1 of 2

noun

ˈskrəb How to pronounce scrub (audio)
Definition of scrubnext
as in diminutive
a living thing much smaller than others of its kind that scrub of a mutt turned out to be the smartest dog we ever had

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

scrub

2 of 2

verb

as in to scrap
to put an end to (something planned or previously agreed to) the outdoor art project was scrubbed when the organizers found out they needed permission from city hall

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of scrub
Noun
Tree Hut Vanilla Shea Sugar Exfoliating & Hydrating Body Scrub $12 $8 at Amazon This Tree Hut body scrub has been a repeat-buy for my and my daughter’s skincare routines for years. — Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 21 Mar. 2025 In situations like these, when your go-to scrubs and sprays just aren’t doing the trick, look to your shower for an answer. — Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 18 Mar. 2025
Verb
Friday's launch came two days after an initial attempt was scrubbed on Wednesday evening, Ars reports. — Ars Technica, 21 Mar. 2025 Never scrub your face with salt water, and avoid using salt water on sunburnt or irritated skin.9 Does Salt Water Help With Acne? — Susan Bard, Health, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scrub
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrub
  1. diminutive
  2. scrap
  3. dwarf
  4. cancel
  5. shrimp
  6. abandon
  7. revoke
  8. repeal
Noun
  • Residing on hillside slopes and gently rolling valleys surrounding the stately medieval village of Montalcino, vineyards in the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG are home to a clone of Sangiovese known locally as Brunello, which is a diminutive of the Italian word for brown.
    — Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 3 Feb. 2025
  • Meaning: The name Indie can be a diminutive of the names India (country southern Asia) or Indiana (state in midwestern U.S.).
    — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 4 Feb. 2025
Definition of diminutive
Verb
  • The bill passed in the Senate last session and was included in an original continuing resolution in the House but was scrapped during negotiations.
    — Miranda Nazzaro, The Hill, 2 Apr. 2025
  • January/February’s installment was also scrapped for financial reasons (though the Los Angeles wildfires would have canceled the tour anyway).
    — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of scrap
Noun
  • Emperor tamarins are dwarf monkeys with whiskers that resemble a white moustache.
    — Robert Higgs, cleveland, 1 Feb. 2023
  • The dwarf variety grows to be about 5 to 7 feet, ideal for a small garden or accent in a room with limited space.
    — Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Jan. 2023
Definition of dwarf
Verb
  • The Television Critics Association has canceled its summer press tour, the org announced to members on Wednesday.
    — Michael Schneider, Variety, 2 Apr. 2025
  • January/February’s installment was also scrapped for financial reasons (though the Los Angeles wildfires would have canceled the tour anyway).
    — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of cancel
Noun
  • Pour the sauce over and gently toss with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until the shrimp and avocado are thoroughly coated.
    — Janelle Davis, CNN, 7 Feb. 2023
  • Brine shrimp are a critical food source for the aquaculture industry.
    — Evan Bush, NBC News, 21 Jan. 2023
Definition of shrimp
Verb
  • Iran later abandoned provisions of the JCPOA and forged ahead with its nuclear program.
    — Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2025
  • The administration’s decision to abandon plans to move D.C.’s elite fighter jet squadron to Maryland comes months after the state’s congressional delegation and Gov. Wes Moore (D) worked to secure the planes to prevent the state from losing its flying mission.
    — Meagan Flynn, Baltimore Sun, 29 Mar. 2025
Definition of abandon
Verb
  • But weeks into office, Noem revoked the TPS extension for a large group of Venezuelans on Feb. 3, effective April 7.
    — Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2025
  • His parole was revoked, and he was returned to prison.
    — Jason Kravarik, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of revoke
Verb
  • Following Trump’s April 2 speech, McConnell kept his promise to Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine and voted for his Senate resolution to repeal the emergency declaration that allowed Trump to place tariffs on Canada.
    — Meredith Kile, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • The site currently gives a 5 percent chance that Trump will either sign a bill into law aiming to repeal or alter the 22nd Amendment, or that the Supreme Court will rule in a way that allows a president to serve more than two terms by July 31, 2025.
    — Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of repeal

Browse Nearby Words

scroungy
scrub
scrubbed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scrub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrub. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on scrub

Nglish: Translation of scrub for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scrub

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Words in Disguise: Do these seem familiar?

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

'When Pigs Fly' and Other Barnyard Idioms

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things
See More

Popular

See More

Words in Disguise: Do these seem familiar?

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

'When Pigs Fly' and Other Barnyard Idioms
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
kestrel
Name That Bird Quiz Are you as wise as an owl or just another birdbrain?
See All