scab

noun

Definition of scabnext
as in scoundrel

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Example Sentences

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 scab Some became deep ulcers, while others became necrotic, turning to black scabs. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 1 May 2026 Peach leaf curl, brown rot, powdery mildew, peach scab, and other diseases also commonly afflict the tree. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 10 Mar. 2026 The men who flocked to spring training sites were called scabs, cast as anti-union phonies. — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2026 That particular stoppage lasted the entire winter and into spring training when clubs assembled groups of replacement players, preparing to begin the season with scab labor. — Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 16 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scab
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scab
  1. scoundrel
  2. wretch
  3. villain
  4. roughneck
  5. lowlife
  6. scamp
  7. rascal
  8. miscreant
Noun
  • Meanwhile, Frank Dillane plays Willoughby, Marianne’s love interest, with such commitment that the actor was surprised to learn his character is universally acknowledged to be a scoundrel.
    — Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026
  • But as with any good Leonard story, the best moments come from the characters, a rogues’ gallery of violent ruffians and neurotic, duplicitous scoundrels.
    — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of scoundrel
Noun
  • The first time, Julian’s children (James Corden, Jessica Gunning) seemed like miserable, greedy wretches.
    — Brent Lang, Variety, 11 Apr. 2026
  • The elegant sets and lavish costume designs are stunning, as is Jacob Elordi's multi-faceted performance as the intelligent wretch stitched together from corpses.
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 27 Dec. 2025
Definition of wretch
Noun
  • Tell me more about William, the actual villain, and what his character represents.
    — Selome Hailu, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Despite Nas emerging as one of the season’s primary antagonists, Kelly doesn’t necessarily view him as a straightforward villain.
    — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of villain
Noun
  • There’s also a romantic moment between Jean and Logan as the roughneck hero tries to figure out the best way to woo her after their initial meeting.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The West Texas native worked in the Permian Basin oil fields as a roughneck and later joined Texas Monthly as a fact-checker then staff writer.
    — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2026
Definition of roughneck
Noun
  • Yang-bae is the kind of person most people would call a lowlife.
    — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026
  • You and many others have been taken in by a lowlife charlatan.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of lowlife
Noun
  • Yes, otters — those adorable little scamps with nearly human faces that mostly lie on their backs at the surface, using their bellies as snack trays.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Posters read The Deflecting Pool and Davey’s a champ, not a scamp!
    — Matt Viser, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026
Definition of scamp
Noun
  • Even though the Feeneys have gotten more competitive under the junior Michel’s management, the rascal-on-the-field ethos of the original team still prevails.
    — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • Not even the curmudgeonly Melvin can bring himself to harm the little rascal.
    — Camille Perri, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
Definition of rascal
Noun
  • One miscreant — Lufkin, Texas, officer Zachary Anthony Klein — was sentenced to five years in prison.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026
  • The staff is full of miscreants, who are snorting lines of cocaine left and right.
    — Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of miscreant

Browse Nearby Words

say uncle
scab
scabby
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Cite this Entry

“Scab.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scab. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on scab

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scab

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