RUB ELBOWS WITH Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

rub elbows (with)

phrase

variants or rub shoulders (with)

Definition of rub elbows (with)

as in associate

to come or be together as friends She had the opportunity to rub elbows with some of the world's greatest chefs at the annual conference.

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for rub elbows (with)

be friends with

Phrase

This comes shortly after it was reported that old neighbors of the couple said the two never embraced the local community and were only interested in being friends with celebrities or billionaires.

— StyleCaster Editors, StyleCaster, 1 Sep. 2026
William has been close to Thomas for decades, and Harry is friends with Thomas’s younger brother Charlie.

— Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of be friends with

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.

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rub elbows

rub elbows (with)

Rubenesque

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“Rub elbows (with).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rub%20elbows%20%28with%29. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of rub elbows (with)

phrase

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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