Synonyms of scratchy

scratchy

adjective

ˈskra-chē 

1

as in jagged

having leaves or branches which are likely to cause a scratch

scratchy shrubbery that's intended to keep kids and pets off the old man's property

Synonyms & Similar Words

• jagged
• thorny
• prickly
• rough
• brambly
• thistly
• coarse
• burred
• bristly

2

as in irritating

causing an unpleasant tingling sensation

the wool pants are so scratchy that I can't stand to wear them

Synonyms & Similar Words

• irritating
• itchy
• harsh
• rough
• coarse
• prickly

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• soft
• silky
• silken
• soothing

3

as in hoarse

harsh and dry in sound

her voice was scratchy from a cold

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hoarse
• gruff
• husky
• rusty
• coarse
• raspy
• gravelly
• throaty
• croaky
• rasping
• grating
• gravel
• croaking
• abrasive
• scratching
• guttural
• choked
• growling
• rough
• strained
• strangled
• scraping
• jarring
• strident
• raucous
• cacophonous
• discordant
• grinding
• growly
• cracked
• unmusical
• dissonant
• screeching
• inharmonious
• squawking
• unmelodious
• cawing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• sweet
• liquid
• gentle
• golden
• soothing
• soft
• mellow
• smooth
• mellifluous
• tender
• velvety
• silken
• satiny
• musical
• gliding
• mellifluent
• melodic
• melodious
• lyrical
• lyric
• euphonious

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of scratchy

And many people feel a teaspoon of honey or perhaps tea with honey can soothe a scratchy throat. — Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026

Reaching for gritty scrubs or scratchy tools at night can make the problem worse. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Since the fire, residents have reported experiencing scratchy throats, headaches and nausea because of the ongoing smell. — Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2026

The scratchy, sketchy linework goes for an impression of people and places rather than strictly realistic representation; the backgrounds mostly stripped away. — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 11 Aug. 2026