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 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 There are many available cultivars, but ‘Elliott’, Excel’, ‘Lakota’, and ‘Sumner’ are cultivars that are documented as having good resistance to scab. — Larry Figart, Florida Times-Union, 14 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
  • And the surviving cartel scoundrels take the parting shot by kidnapping beloved Carter, putting a hood on him and taking the boy off.
    — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • But that just reinforces Samuel Johnson’s adage that patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 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
  • The Athletic’s hockey staff came together to identify the definitive on-ice villain for every team in the NHL.
    — Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 27 July 2026
  • Em details how Alan Rickman who played Hans Gruber, one of the most iconic villains in film history, offered director John McTiernan several key ideas that improved the film.
    — Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of villain
Noun
  • 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
  • The show focuses on roughnecks and billionaires in West Texas who are trying to get rich as the oil industry continues to take over the state.
    — Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2026
Definition of roughneck
Noun
  • In any year, in any culture, there are no antagonists (save for Nazis) better suited as action cinema heavies; rooting against child trafficking lowlifes is moral, easy, and best of all, a completely guiltless pleasure.
    — Andy Crump, IndieWire, 15 June 2026
  • Or, plant a gun on a lowlife who deserved it and the world's a better place.
    — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
Definition of lowlife
Noun
  • Posters read The Deflecting Pool and Davey’s a champ, not a scamp!
    — Matt Viser, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026
  • What would Sleepless in Seattle (1993) be without Jonah, the scamp who coordinates a meet-cute between his dad, Sam (Tom Hanks), and Annie (Meg Ryan)?
    — Louis Peitzman, Entertainment Weekly, 30 June 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
  • Florida enacted new laws cracking down on miscreants in the treatment industry.
    — Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 5 July 2026
  • The frenetic antics of Illumination‘s mascot army of yellow miscreants have always been indebted to vintage slapstick.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 22 June 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 3 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on scab

Nglish: Translation of scab for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scab

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