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Definitions

rubbing

[ruhb-ing] / ˈrʌb ɪŋ /
ADJECTIVE
grinding
Synonyms
STRONG
crumbling crunching crushing disintegrating eroding granulating grating milling powdering pulverizing scraping shivering smashing
WEAK
bone-crushing
NOUN
abrasion
Synonyms
STRONG
chafing erosion grating scratching
WEAK
abrading scuffing
NOUN
application
Synonyms
STRONGEST
treatment
STRONG
administration
WEAK
administering applying creaming dosing oiling
NOUN
attrition
Synonyms
STRONGEST
erosion
STRONG
abrasion attenuation debilitation depreciation disintegration grinding thinning weakening wear
Antonyms
WEAK
building happiness strengthening
NOUN
massage
Synonyms
STRONG
beating manipulation stroking
WEAK
back rub chirapsia rolfing rubbing-down
NOUN
touch
Synonyms
STRONGEST
communication contact feeling taste
STRONG
blow brush caress collision contingence crash cuddling embrace feel fondling graze grope handling hit hug impact junction kiss lick manipulation nudge palpation pat peck perception percussion petting push rub scratch shock stroking tap touching
WEAK
taction
Antonyms
STRONG
failure loss
WEAK
lot

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.

Kylie Jenner kept rubbing and patting Chalamet’s hand while he nervously jiggled his right leg.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2026

For up-and-coming filmmakers, an Oscar nomination -- and the attendant glitz and glamour of luncheons rubbing shoulders with megastars like Timothee Chalamet and Steven Spielberg -- is confirmation that persistence pays off.

From Barron's • Mar. 4, 2026

Marc Short, the former vice president’s lieutenant, was less restrained in rubbing the decision in Trump’s face.

From Salon • Feb. 22, 2026

Blur and Oasis started rubbing each other up the wrong way when Liam made comments about Damon's girlfriend, Elastica singer Justine Frischmann, and when Blur turned up at an Oasis party.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

I hold it, rubbing it to calm it down.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam