scratch the/an itch
idiom
chiefly US, informal
: to satisfy a desire or need for something
Sign up for a tour of Asia and scratch the itch to travel.
Examples of scratch the/an itch in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Don’t: Use Q-Tips You may be tempted to use Q-Tips to scratch an itch or remove earwax.
—
Katie Mogg, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Gutekunst couldn’t help but scratch the itch to draft a fifth Georgia defender in the last five drafts.
—Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
For bistro set traditionalists, this one should scratch the itch.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 7 Apr. 2025
The epic travelog features not one boat wreck but two, and enough sirens and seductive island-dwelling nymphs to scratch the itch for a little naughty stuff.
—Gráinne O'Hara Belluomo, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019
Elect for a deep charcoal or blue-black to pack a similar punch in the kitchen without backing the design into a tight corner, and incorporate matte black hardware or soapstone countertops to scratch the itch instead.
—Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2025
After working as a scouting intern with the Baltimore Ravens last year, Jefferson signed with the Chargers hoping to scratch an itch to play that never wavered.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
The best way to combat the urge is to invest in a product that can scratch the itch for you instead—metaphorically.
—Celeste Polanco, Essence, 30 Aug. 2024
SolForge Fusion is distinct in offering online matchmaking, in part to scratch the itch of competitive play for some folks.
—Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 12 Apr. 2024
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.
Katie Mogg, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Gutekunst couldn’t help but scratch the itch to draft a fifth Georgia defender in the last five drafts.
—Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
For bistro set traditionalists, this one should scratch the itch.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 7 Apr. 2025
The epic travelog features not one boat wreck but two, and enough sirens and seductive island-dwelling nymphs to scratch the itch for a little naughty stuff.
—Gráinne O'Hara Belluomo, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019
Elect for a deep charcoal or blue-black to pack a similar punch in the kitchen without backing the design into a tight corner, and incorporate matte black hardware or soapstone countertops to scratch the itch instead.
—Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2025
After working as a scouting intern with the Baltimore Ravens last year, Jefferson signed with the Chargers hoping to scratch an itch to play that never wavered.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
The best way to combat the urge is to invest in a product that can scratch the itch for you instead—metaphorically.
—Celeste Polanco, Essence, 30 Aug. 2024
SolForge Fusion is distinct in offering online matchmaking, in part to scratch the itch of competitive play for some folks.
—Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 12 Apr. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Scratch the/an itch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scratch%20the%2Fan%20itch. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share