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Definitions

rub

[ruhb] / rʌb /
NOUN
stroke; wearing away
Synonyms
STRONG
abrasion attrition brushing caress friction grinding kneading pat polish rasping scouring scraping shine smear smoothing stroking swab swipe wear wipe
NOUN
difficulty, problem
Synonyms
STRONGEST
drawback
STRONG
bar catch crimp dilemma hamper hindrance hitch hurdle impediment obstacle predicament snag traverse trouble
WEAK
stumbling block
Antonyms
STRONG
advantage aid assistance blessing help solution
WEAK
boon
VERB
stroke; abrade
Synonyms
STRONGEST
apply brush caress clean coat cover glaze graze grind knead paint pat scrape scrub slather smear smooth spread wear wipe
STRONG
abrade anoint bark buff burnish chafe curry daub erase erode excoriate file fray fret furbish glance gloss grate mop plaster polish rasp scour shine swab
WEAK
triturate wear down

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

"These families might not have two pennies to rub together but they still deserve a dignified life," he said.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

Although the ability to make snow has been a game changer for resorts in North America, here’s the rub: Snowmaking works only when it’s cold.

From Slate • Apr. 11, 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

What I noticed next came as a jolt, and I had to rub my eyes to make sure I wasn’t seeing things.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan

Vocabulary lists containing rub

"The Tragedy of Hamlet," Vocabulary from Act 3

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