scrape 1 of 2

noun

Definition of scrapenext
1
as in encounter
a brief clash between enemies or rivals he's had his share of scrapes with the law in the past

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in scratch
a harsh grating sound the scrape of a shovel on concrete

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in bruise
an area of skin roughened or worn away by harsh rubbing against another surface scrapes that were caused by a too-tight harness

Synonyms & Similar Words

scrape

2 of 2

verb

ˈskrāp How to pronounce scrape (audio)
1
as in to scratch
to pass roughly and noisily over or against a surface the rusty old gate scrapes against the pavement whenever anyone opens it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to graze
to damage by rubbing against a sharp or rough surface she scraped her knee when she fell down

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to grit
to press or strike against or together so as to make a scraping sound she scraped her fingernails across the chalkboard to get everyone's attention

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 scrape
Noun
The visits mainly addressed dehydration, minor cuts and scrapes and pre-existing medical conditions. — Ruby Grisin, Louisville Courier Journal, 18 Sep. 2026 Millions of users have unknowingly become proxy nodes after installing free VPNs or dubious browser extensions, allowing attackers to create fake accounts, scrape data at scale and commit promo and payment fraud. — Dan Pinto, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Verb
Remove bowl from mixer and gently fold in 1½ cups (187 g) all-purpose flour with a rubber spatula, scraping down sides and bottom of bowl, until no large, dry streaks of flour remain. — Tanya Bush, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Oct. 2026 The Packers have played bad, are rebuilding their offensive line almost in its entirety on the fly, and yet have managed to scrape to 2-2. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scrape
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrape
  1. encounter
  2. scratch
  3. bruise
  4. grit
  5. brush
  6. abrasion
  7. graze
Noun
  • There are encounters, opportunities, things that inspire you.
    — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
  • It’s affected by Planet 1’s gravity during the encounter as well.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of encounter
Noun
  • Not only was there the initial flare-up, but now there were huge red scratches and hives.
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Check the listed starting pitchers first; a late scratch can void or reprice some bets.
    — OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of scratch
Noun
  • Hutch seemed unhurt beyond a twisted knee, but Ed, stripped naked, was a mass of small cuts and bright greening bruises that made an awful background for ridges of clotted blood.
    — Gerald R. Hunter, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026
  • At the hospital, medical staff swabbed bruises on her friend for evidence, according to Lara.
    — Taylor Galgano, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of bruise
Verb
  • Meanwhile, Russian drivers grit their teeth, endure the lines, and hope that government promises that the shortages will ease after the agricultural harvest season – a time of peak demand – are fulfilled.
    — Fred Weir, Christian Science Monitor, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Red flag The Dodgers still don’t know what to reasonably expect from Ohtani, gritting out the postseason despite discomfort in his left knee and right arm.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of grit
Noun
  • The brushes retail for $198, and 100 percent of proceeds of each sale go toward research funded by the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
    — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • In this week’s issue, Taub writes about living in such a fraught place, his encounters with jihadis, spies, con men, and fledgling reporters trying to prove themselves, and his brush with a possible abduction attempt.
    — Austin Elias-de Jesus, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of brush
Noun
  • Most had abrasions and small cuts, and all but the driver have since been treated and released, authorities said Monday during a press briefing.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Machado and her daughters had abrasions on their necks, which Lew said is consistent with asphyxiation.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of abrasion
Noun
  • The victim suffered a gunshot graze wound to the hand and knee.
    — Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Depending on the season, animals could eat the crops, graze grass, or forage for acorns.
    — Ingfei Chen, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of graze

Phrases Containing scrape

Browse Nearby Words

scrapbooks
scrape
scrape (by or through)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scrape.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrape. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of syncretic

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 16
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
artwork of illustrated limes with the text limes and smile with an arrow connecting the two words
Quiz: Spot the Anagram! Scramble these words to find new words with the e...
See All