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as in remainder
an unused or unwanted piece or item typically of small size or value only a scrap of silk was left on the sewing table after they had finished the project

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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scrap

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noun (2)

scrap

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verb (1)

scrap

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verb (2)

Synonym Chooser

How is the word scrap different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of scrap are cast, discard, junk, shed, and slough. While all these words mean "to get rid of," scrap and junk imply throwing away or breaking up as worthless in existent form.

scrap all the old ways
would junk our educational system

When can cast be used instead of scrap?

In some situations, the words cast and scrap are roughly equivalent. However, cast, especially when used with off, away, or out, implies a forceful rejection or repudiation.

cast off her friends

When could discard be used to replace scrap?

While the synonyms discard and scrap are close in meaning, discard implies the letting go or throwing away of something that has become useless or superfluous though often not intrinsically valueless.

discard old clothes

How are the words shed and slough related as synonyms of scrap?

Shed and slough imply a throwing off of something both useless and encumbering and often suggest a consequent renewal of vitality or luster.

shed a bad habit
finally sloughed off the depression

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 scrap
Noun
How is their scrap-heap surveying so much better than Colorado, which got value out of outfielder Mickey Moniak this season, but largely whiffed on all their other fliers? Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 10 Oct. 2025 There’s also a removable tray for scraps. Christopher Murray May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
Then, after Argentina temporarily scrapped export taxes on grains, China swooped in and bought tens of thousands of pounds of Argentine soybeans instead. Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025 But with infection rates rising, authorities scrapped that plan and allowed just 1,000 spectators into Roland Garros per day. Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scrap

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Cite this Entry

“Scrap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrap. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

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