drub

verb

ˈdrəb How to pronounce drub (audio)
Definition of drubnext
1
as in to lick
to strike repeatedly a crowd was drubbing the purse snatcher when the police arrived on the scene

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to overcome
to defeat by a large margin we drubbed our traditional football rivals so badly that it was basically no contest

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of drub Mansfield races past Byron Nelson after slow start Mansfield only scored 5 points in the first quarter, but outscored Trophy Club Byron Nelson by 33 the rest of the way as the Tigers drubbed the Bobcats 61-34 in a Class 6A Division II bi-district game on Tuesday at Thomas Coliseum in Haltom City. — Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Feb. 2026 The Americans drubbed Poulin’s team without her, perhaps taking some suspense out of the likely rematch between these teams in the gold-medal game next week. — Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026 The Broncos have a 9-4 series record in 13 all-time matchups against this NFC foe, and drubbed them 30-16 in their last meeting when outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper recorded his first two NFL sacks against Dallas QB Dak Prescott. — Luca Evans, Denver Post, 24 Oct. 2025 The Bears upset the Vikings in Minnesota before the San Francisco 49ers drubbed them at Candlestick Park. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for drub
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drub
  1. lick
  2. overcome
  3. beat
  4. whip
  5. lash
  6. rout
  7. pound
  8. bury
Verb
  • Occupying a particularly picturesque and secluded stretch of headland, where Aleppo pines drape rocky coves and the cerulean Mediterranean waves lick the similarly shaded horizon, the resort is the hospitality group’s first foray into the Balearics.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Some wagged their tails as people approached, licked their hands and even liked to be petted.
    — Alida de Flamingh, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of lick
Verb
  • Experts who are part of consultations expect the new policy to lay down clear and consistent rules, which will also help the industry overcome challenges around land acquisition and simplify a fragmented approval process.
    — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The song addresses overcoming adversity and using others’ doubts to fuel your passion.
    — Melinda Newman, Billboard, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of overcome
Verb
  • Drew Doughty had a goal and two assists, and Artemi Panarin added a power-play goal and an assist as the Kings beat the New York Rangers 6-3 on Monday night.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
  • In a shocking upset, a student movement resoundingly beat longtime Serbian leader President Aleksandar Vucic, ending his time in power after 14 years.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of beat
Verb
  • Fire crews scrambled late Saturday as fierce winds whipped flames beyond Canadian Forces Base Wainwright and into the surrounding rural area.
    — Rob Gillies, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Fire crews scrambled late into the night as fierce winds whipped flames beyond Canadian Forces Base Wainwright and into the surrounding rural area.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of whip
Verb
  • The snake tried to circle and squeeze, but the rat lashed with her claws and teeth.
    — Madeline ffitch, Harpers Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026
  • News of the briefing leaked, and the senators lashed out at the FBI, saying their efforts to scrutinize the Biden family had been discredited and falsely linked to Russian disinformation.
    — Eric Tucker, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of lash
Verb
  • New York routs Seattle 12-3 in Game 5 to win the AL pennant for the 38th time.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Liverpool could go top with a win over Villarreal if PSG and Barcelona draw, or on goal difference if Andoni Iraola's team can rout its Spanish opposition.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of rout
Verb
  • A little girl pounding her fists and screaming; none of the visitors nor the staff were allowed to hold her to provide comfort.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The Pistons pounded the inside and scored 24 second-chance points.
    — Dan Gelston, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of pound
Verb
  • But there’s a hopeful note buried under the harrowing descriptions.
    — Shy Clara Thompson, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Once operations are fully underway, workers will bury up to 60 canisters per year.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of bury

Browse Nearby Words

drowsy
drub
drubbed
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Cite this Entry

“Drub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drub. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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