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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.

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

Also unsatisfied are those who approve of nothing he has done and yet are happy to rub in his face his TACO-like unwillingness to engage in further acts of which they would also disapprove.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 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

When dust particles collide and rub together in Martian storms, they build up static electricity.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

I rub at my face and look around.

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell

Vocabulary lists containing rub

"The Tragedy of Hamlet," Vocabulary from Act 3

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