Synonyms for

Rubbish

Verb / ˈrʌbɪʃ / Another word for rubbish — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

waste material; trash; worthless or unwanted material

Synonyms & similar words

scrap tripe wishwash folderol trumpery codswallop trash applesauce garbage junk waste trash debris clutter discard scrap rubble detritus leavings offal refuse scraps debris dross flotsam dregs chaff remains

Synonyms by register

Formal

refuse waste detritus garbage

Informal

trash junk crap garbage dreck

Literary

dross scraps

Antonyms

treasure valuable asset gem prize important useful

Common collocations

  • rubbish bin
  • rubbish dump
  • rubbish tip
  • rubbish collection
  • household rubbish
  • rubbish disposal
  • general rubbish

Word family

noun rubbish
adjective rubbish

Usage note

Primarily used in British English to mean 'waste' or 'nonsense'. In American English, 'trash' or 'garbage' are more common for waste.

Example sentences

  1. I need to throw away this rubbish in the trash can.
  2. The beach was covered in rubbish after the storm.
  3. The city has a problem with people leaving their rubbish on the streets.
  4. We need to recycle instead of just throwing everything in the rubbish bin.
  5. The dumpster was overflowing with rubbish.

Quotes

  • One man's rubbish is another man's treasure.
  • I always try to clean up my rubbish and keep the environment clean.
  • Don't let the rubbish of yesterday spoil the beauty of today.

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