as in headaches
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 wears
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 grinds
to make smooth by friction
the furniture restorer rubbed the board perfectly smooth with sandpaper
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in smoothes
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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rubs
Noun
-
Strap mounts are particularly infamous for causing users headaches when trying to remove phones.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2025 -
The tariffs aren’t only causing headaches for car dealerships.—
Pat Maio,
Oc Register,
13 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Jacobs and Booth argued that hiring David Geier compromises the integrity of the scientific process, erodes public trust, and provides a platform for unreliable information.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
9 Apr. 2025
-
When the plan keeps changing, trust erodes.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The National Institute of Health reports that sleep improves memory, sharpens decision-making, and enhances problem-solving skills.—
Maha Abouelenein,
Forbes,
24 Dec. 2024
-
Mentoring also sharpens your communication and leadership skills.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes,
17 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
The formula locks in moisture, restores the skin barrier, and smoothes wrinkles.—
Toni Sutton,
People.com,
30 Dec. 2024
-
Removing peach fuzz further smooths the appearance of your facial skin and can help makeup apply more easily and evenly without caking to hair.—
Carley Millhone,
Health,
27 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Shulman suggested a similar pattern could unfold in China, but with frustrations centered on the tariffs.—
Miranda Nazzaro,
The Hill,
13 Apr. 2025
-
The same frustrations that haunted him at the end of last season have reappeared in ugly ways.—
Matt Gelb,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The Voice of America and its later branches are designed to be irritants to undemocratic regimes.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
24 Mar. 2025
-
Both men were irritants to Erdogan and could stir up trouble, but neither was a real threat to Erdogan’s power.—
Ahmet T. Kuru,
The Conversation,
19 Mar. 2025
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.
Cite this Entry
“Rubs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rubs. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share