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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
Winn believes the pieces may have been stolen by an unscrupulous collector while an art recovery expert suspects the two sculptures will be destroyed for scrap metal. Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2025 Of particular note are scraps on which Austen tracked her own finances and the profits of her novels. Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 June 2025
Verb
Another fight that has been scrapped from the UFC 317 card is the heavyweight matchup between Jhonata Diniz vs. Justin Tafa. Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025 If the tax credits are scrapped, United Automobile Workers union official Dave Green said EV sales could be reduced by as much as 40% by 2030 and planned EV battery plants could be canceled. David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 23 June 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 3 Jul. 2025.

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