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
Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 25 Nov. 2025
Grating anything is usually a knuckle-threatening chore—but this stippled ceramic dish from Japan makes it into its own soothing ritual, turning a brown stem into liquidish gold with a few easy rubs.
—The Atlantic, 19 Nov. 2025
Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025
That also includes light touch on your scalp from brushing your hair, the sensation of rubbing a blanket over your body, or feeling a breeze brush against your skin.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rub
Noun
On the fourth-and-goal stop, Maye could have and should have pulled the ball out from Stevenson and thrown to Hunter Henry in the right flat on a run-pass option where the Patriots were ready to screen his defender in a rub-route concept.
—Verb
Remove branches that are rubbing against each other, growing inward, or straight up.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for rub
Noun
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The illness tends to come on abruptly, with symptoms including fever, sore throat, headaches and fatigue.—
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Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea.—
Verb
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Meyer, meanwhile, wore a white graphic tee with black mini shorts and a Thom Browne top coat, W reported.—
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He was last seen wearing a red and black plaid shirt, dark jeans and brown steel-toe boots, police said.—
Verb
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However, deteriorating or disturbed lead paint — through sanding or stripping — can create toxic dust that poses serious health hazards, particularly to children.—
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Additional changes in the new beach include a stabilizing stone wall, dry prairie grasses to deter birds and sand with larger grain size.—
Verb
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But the majority of all diamonds – 90% – are cut and polished in India, which holds a towering tariff rate of 50%.—
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Prinbara Satin Maxi Skirt This satin maxi skirt is the definition of versatile—comfortable enough for all-day wear yet polished enough to anchor a night-out look.—
Noun
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Make sure to wear leather gloves to protect your hands from rose thorns.—
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Season 1 detailed how Robby—a crinkle-eyed stalwart whose stethoscope seems made of thorns—was still suffering from PTSD from his experiences working during the coronavirus pandemic, while a violent attack from a patient made the otherwise flinty Dana reconsider whether her job was still bearable.—
Verb
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Cultural, linguistic, and value-based assimilation challenges arise, potentially altering national identities and eroding civilizational confidence.—
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And policies that erode IP rights will ultimately slow the pace of innovation — and the prosperity that comes with it.—
Verb
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And Robbins isn’t alone in translating an early—and humble—grind into success.—
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Downtown tunnel closures The rail grinding project will also be coordinated with the weekend closures of the Downtown subway tunnel to combine efforts in the area and reduce the impact on riders.—
Verb
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As a result, this is not a last-minute, turn-up-and-go destination, but experienced tour operators can help smooth the path.—
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Check out more skin-smoothing K-beauty favorites below.—
Cite this Entry
“Rub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rub. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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