RUBBING ELBOWS (WITH) Synonyms: 70 Similar and Opposite Words

rubbing elbows (with)

phrase

variants or rubbing shoulders (with)

present participle of rub elbows (with)

as in hanging (around or out)

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 rubbing elbows (with)

being 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

Definition of being 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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rubbing elbows

rubbing elbows (with)

rubbing out

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“Rubbing elbows (with).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rubbing%20elbows%20%28with%29. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of rubbing elbows (with)

phrase

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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