rub Synonyms
Another word for rub
• verb (Context 1)
To move one's hand, a cloth, or another object back and forth firmly against a surface while applying pressure and friction.
"He began to massage his eyes sleepily after reading the fine print for several hours."
• verb (Context 2)
To spread, work, or apply a substance such as lotion, ointment, or seasoning into a surface using repeated pressure.
"Be sure to massage sunscreen thoroughly into your skin before spending the afternoon at the beach."
• noun (Context 3)
An act of moving one's hand, a cloth, or another object firmly back and forth over a surface, especially to clean, dry, or soothe it.
"After a long day of hiking, a gentle massage on his sore shoulders helped relieve the tension."
• verb (Context 4)
To chafe, grate, or cause soreness and irritation by scraping or pressing repeatedly against something else.
"The stiff leather of the new hiking boots started to chafe painfully against her heels."
• noun (Context 5)
A mixture of coarsely ground spices, herbs, salt, and sugar applied to the surface of raw meat, poultry, or fish to flavor it before cooking.
"The chef coated the brisket in a smoky paprika and garlic dry rub before placing it in the smoker."
• noun (Context 6)
An ointment, liniment, or topical lotion designed to be massaged into the skin to soothe muscle aches or congestion.
"She applied a menthol chest liniment to help ease her coughing throughout the night."
• noun (Context 7)
A central difficulty, obstacle, or crux that complicates a situation or plan.
"The proposal sounds wonderful in theory, but the catch is that we lack the budget to fund it."
Opposites of rub
The opposite of rub shifts depending on context. Common opposites include: