Synonyms for

Rubs

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

Definition

To move one's hand or an object back and forth against a surface.

Synonyms & similar words

itch snag hangup rub hitch chafe scratch wipe fret fray scrub massage caress stroke pat polish buff clean wipe swab smear spread coat dab paint apply grind file sand truncate

Synonyms by register

Formal

friction abrasion chafing rubbing

Informal

scrapes grinds chafes

Literary

caresses strokes

Antonyms

avoids shuns dodges evades eschews sidesteps

Common collocations

  • back rubs
  • foot rubs
  • oil rubs
  • oil of rubs
  • rub shoulders
  • rub noses
  • rub salt
  • rub it in

Word family

noun rub
verb rub
adjective rubbing

Usage note

The word 'rubs' can refer to the act of applying friction or to a massage. It can also be used figuratively to mean something that causes annoyance or difficulty.

Example sentences

  1. He rubs his eyes when he's tired.
  2. She rubs her dog's belly.
  3. He rubs his sore arm.
  4. She rubs her hands with lotion.
  5. He rubs the dirt off of his shoes.

Quotes

  • "A diamond is just a lump of coal that stuck to its job," said Al McGuire, a basketball coach who never forgot that he was once one of the guys. "I rub my diamond in the roughness of the street, not the salons."
  • A man is like a cat; chase him and he will run - sit still and ignore him and he'll come purring at your feet. - Helen Rowland
  • I'm not the kind of girl who can trust a theory based on one person. - Haruki Murakami

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