SCRUBBY Synonyms: 70 Similar and Opposite Words

scrubby

adjective

ˈskrə-bē

Definition of scrubby

as in dilapidated

showing signs of advanced wear and tear and neglect changed into an old flannel shirt and a scrubby pair of jeans to clean out the garage

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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 scrubby From a window, Jude looked down on a scrubby expanse where multiple apartment buildings were under construction. — Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026 While much of the Yucatan peninsula is covered by rain forest, the landscape designers improved on nature here creating a jungle that is less scrubby than the real thing and instead planted with dramatic Mexican fan palms and other tropical trees that create a solid green wall. — John Newton, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Feb. 2026 Banks are fringed with grasses and scrubby trees, as colorful hills slant down to the water. — Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 29 Jan. 2026 Nothing on the surface of this scrubby expanse of western Nevada desert, overlooked by towering, craggy mountains, gives even a hint of what lies beneath. — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 12 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scrubby

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrubby

Adjective

Instead, city staff could first more narrowly issue an order to repair a dilapidated historic building and then expedite approval for those repairs on the back end, without needing a hearing through the Historic Preservation Commission.

— Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
The zoo, which houses more than 1,600 animals, has become dilapidated over the years.

— Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026

Definition of dilapidated

Adjective

Investors and analysts are increasingly looking to other parts of the market, both to find neglected sources of value and to start assuming a defensive posture against a possible downturn.

— Tobias Burns, CNBC, 16 July 2026
Changing their environment is more reliable and more neglected.

— Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026

Definition of neglected

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scrubbing

scrubby

scrubland

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“Scrubby.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrubby. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of scrubby

adjective

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