rubbing Synonyms
Another word for rubbing
• verb (Context 1)
To move one's hand, a cloth, or another object back and forth against a surface while applying pressure.
"She was massaging the tarnished silver tray with a soft cloth until it shone."
• noun (Context 2)
The action or process of applying firm pressure and back-and-forth motion to a surface, object, or part of the body.
"A gentle friction of her temples helped relieve the tension headache."
• verb (Context 3)
To chafe, grate, or cause irritation by sliding repeatedly against another surface.
"The stiff collar of the new shirt kept chafing against his neck."
• noun (Context 4)
An impression of an inscribed, carved, or textured surface obtained by placing paper over it and stroking it with chalk, wax, or graphite.
"The art students made charcoal rubbings of the ancient stone carvings in the courtyard."
Opposites of rubbing
The opposite of rubbing shifts depending on context. Common opposites include: