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Definitions

rub off

VERB
abrade
Synonyms
STRONG
chafe erode grate rub scuff wear
WEAK
triturate wear down
Antonyms
STRONG
make happy please rebuild
VERB
obliterate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
annihilate black out eliminate eradicate erase expunge exterminate knock out obscure ravage smash wash out wipe out
STRONG
ax bog cancel cover cut defeat delete efface extirpate finish kill level liquidate nix off scratch scrub sink squash torpedo total trash waste zap
WEAK
KO X out blot out blue pencil do in finish off knock off mark out root out rub out shoot down take apart take out wipe off face of earth
Antonyms
STRONGEST
add aid assist bear build create fix help revive
STRONG
begin construct initiate keep leave alone save schedule set up start

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Legacy overseas brands are now seeking out collaboration, hoping the domestic market's blistering pace and technological innovation will rub off and boost their competitiveness in China and increasingly, abroad.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

We see that throughout the season, and they really, like, rub off on each other and they have something to give to the other person.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

Presumably those who do decide to stay in room 411 are hoping that Christie’s literary genius might somehow rub off.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

In some cases, the fish attempted to rub off the mark within the first hour of seeing a mirror.

From Science Daily • Feb. 23, 2026

People wanted to get close to the Frenchman, hoping that some of his refinement would rub off on them.

From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende