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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples 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 rub
Michael Saponara, Billboard, 11 Dec. 2024
Dry Brining Brining your turkey, whether with a liquid solution or a dry rub, can enhance its flavor, resulting in a tender, juicy bird that's bursting with flavor.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2024
Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 5 Jan. 2025
During their journey through the atmosphere, meteors rub against air particles, creating friction and heat.
—Space.com Staff, Space.com, 1 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for rub 
Noun
The array of sauces and dry rubs are available this holiday season on the Sniffin Griffins website for all your tailgate needs as the perfect sweet and smoky addition for an array of fishes, chickens, steaks, hot dogs and more.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 11 Dec. 2024
Dry Brining Brining your turkey, whether with a liquid solution or a dry rub, can enhance its flavor, resulting in a tender, juicy bird that's bursting with flavor.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2024
Verb
Modify clothing to prevent it from rubbing against your skin.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 5 Jan. 2025
During their journey through the atmosphere, meteors rub against air particles, creating friction and heat.
—Space.com Staff, Space.com, 1 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for rub
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rub
Noun
-
At the Brentwood location of popular Italian eatery Jon & Vinny’s, staff complained of headaches and sore throats in a text message group chat.—
Suhauna Hussain,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Jan. 2025
-
The common symptoms of POTS include light-headedness, fainting, brain fog, fatigue, headache, blurred vision, tremors, and nausea.—
Daniel R. Depetris,
Newsweek,
10 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Sara arrived home just before 9 p.m., and Lyons was allegedly waiting outside wearing a motorcycle helmet, according to the woman who gave Sara a ride home, Mahomet police show.—
Rebecca Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Jan. 2025
-
Lastly, Jason Kelce was featured in People Magazine wearing a yellow-gold Rolex Submariner.—
Sophie Furley,
Robb Report,
11 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Some of Cotton Incorporated’s fabric developments include a 98 percent cotton and 2 percent elastane denim pant that was sanded, and then sprayed with an acrylic coating, and then enzyme washed to give it the look of worn leather.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
9 Jan. 2025
-
There are still some rough edges to sand down in Bakayoko’s game, but at his age there is plenty of potential and the opportunity to nurture the Belgium international over a long period.—
Mark Carey,
The Athletic,
8 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Instead, Cardozo recommends placing a tea towel in the sink, washing the crystal in lukewarm water with a mild detergent, and polishing it with a lint-free towel.—
Heather Bien,
Southern Living,
7 Jan. 2025
-
Stepping out onto cold Turkish marble, polished by centuries of footsteps, feels like walking into the pages of mythology.—
Jennifer Leigh Parker,
Forbes,
4 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
At times, the offense has looked so good that Sam Darnold is now the hottest free agent this offseason, while the defense has been a thorn in quarterbacks sides with Flores’ relentless blitzing (Minnesota leads the league in blitz percentage).—
Austin Mock,
The Athletic,
10 Jan. 2025
-
The senior forward was a thorn in the Huskies’ side two years ago, before the ACL injury that claimed most of his 2023-24 season and, seemingly, much of this year as well.—
Joe Arruda,
Hartford Courant,
4 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Over time, acids can erode tooth enamel permanently.—
Nancy LeBrun,
Verywell Health,
10 Jan. 2025
-
For example, changes to underlying data can erode their effectiveness, like when hospitals switch lab providers.—
Darius Tahir | KFF Health News,
ABC News,
10 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The duo’s first album, Good Years, arrives Jan. 31, with shades of Montgomery Gentry and Brooks & Dunn influencing its grinding, upbeat sound.—
Tom Roland,
Billboard,
16 Jan. 2025
-
Teen LinkedIn: Children under the age of seventeen can apply for jobs, expand their professional network, and get a head start at grinding their teeth at night.—
JiJi Lee,
The New Yorker,
7 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Shopping Beauty Products Skincare These surprisingly simple tools can help smooth fine lines, acne scars, and more In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews What to Know Behind the Scenes FAQ Why Trust PEOPLE?—
Jennifer Ford,
People.com,
9 Jan. 2025
-
It’s packed with marula and moringa seed oils, which smooths frizz and prevents breakage.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
Glamour,
7 Jan. 2025
Articles Related to rub
Thesaurus Entries Near rub
Cite this Entry
“Rub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rub. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share