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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 scrape
Noun
They were released after they were treated at medical facilities for scrapes, cuts, dehydration and exhaustion over the weekend, State Police Lt. — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 12 Aug. 2026 The tiniest scrape or cut is enough for Vibrio vulnificus to get under your skin. — Bill Sullivan, The Conversation, 11 Aug. 2026
Verb
To prepare it, scrape off the skin with the back of a spoon (or leave it on), then chop, slice, or purée the flesh using a Microplane grater or garlic press. — Carole Kotkin, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026 Emily Smith’s life has gone from scraping together grocery money to bringing home six figures in a single month. — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 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
  • At this point occurs the climax of the tale, Ichabod’s encounter with the headless horseman, whom the reader assumes is Brom Bones playing a mischievous trick on him.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
  • New video released this week shows a tense encounter in Colorado in which a sheriff's deputy was forced to shoot and kill a charging mother black bear.
    — Andrew Gutierrez, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of encounter
Noun
  • Based in Sacramento, Sugar Coated is a scratch bakery specializing in gourmet cupcakes, macarons, and individual desserts, known for creative fillings, premium ingredients and unexpected flavor combinations.
    — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Philadelphia second baseman Bryson Stott was a late scratch from the lineup due to personal reasons.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of scratch
Noun
  • Abu Safiya's personal attorney said that during a recent visit, the doctor had fresh bruises and was struggling to remain conscious, according to the human rights organization Amnesty International.
    — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Mims hurt his foot in the team’s preseason finale against Minnesota, but head coach Sean Payton after the game called the injury a bruise.
    — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of bruise
Verb
  • Bugs Bunny jams himself against the edge and grits his teeth in agony.
    — Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
  • But credit Skubal for gritting it out each time, keeping the Dodgers in those three games against the Chicago Cubs, the Kansas City Royals and Brewers.
    — Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of grit
Noun
  • The device comes with a refill dock, two regular brush heads, and a charging cable.
    — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Show up to public meetings to stay informed, and start making an impact at home by clearing dry brush around your property and helping neighbors do the same.
    — Matt Thompson, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of brush
Noun
  • Sugar and salt are examples of physical exfoliators, which manually slough off dead skin cells and product buildup via gentle abrasion.
    — Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 14 Sep. 2026
  • The baby had an abrasion and bruising on his head, according to the sheriff’s office.
    — KC Baker, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of abrasion
Noun
  • Minutes after that shooting, a 37-year-old woman was shot in the leg and a 19-year-old man suffered graze wounds to both legs near the parade route on Eastern Parkway and Kingston Avenue, police said.
    — Adi Guajardo, CBS News, 7 Sep. 2026
  • And in its forests and on its grasslands, tule elk and mule deer graze, while bobcats and coyotes hunt for rabbits and mountain beavers.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of graze

Phrases Containing scrape

Browse Nearby Words

scrapbooks
scrape
scrape (by or through)
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Cite this Entry

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

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