scrape 1 of 2

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

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2
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

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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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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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
Those tiny scrapes and scratches harbor nearly impossible-to-remove dirt. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 20 May 2025 Currently, the beaches of Torrey Pines are crowded with photographers hoping for that perfect picture of peregrine falcon chicks being raised in crude scrape nests placed on precarious perches, high on the sandstone cliffs. Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025
Verb
With Jackson Jobe out of action until possibly 2027, Detroit has already scraped the bottom of the barrel of their pitching depth. Daniel R. Epstein, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025 Beat butter and 1 cup of the powdered sugar together in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy, scraping down sides of bowl as needed, about 2 minutes. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for scrape
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrape
Noun
  • The Dude’s encounter with a couple of misguided goons was, after all, not based on a true story.
    Eric Duvall, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 June 2025
  • Katya Campbell plays Carol, the first of Diane’s encounters and the one who’s the least susceptible to her charms, with prime micromanagement vibes.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • The ability to generate ideas from scratch, to truly go from nothing to something, is a skill.
    Christian Hyatt, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • The self-sustaining community makes everything from scratch, but must venture to the mainland occasionally for firewood and deer meat.
    Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • Zoltan had reportedly suffered a broken arm and cuts, while Mickey had cuts and bruises.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 17 June 2025
  • The second procedure revealed that there were unexplained bruises on his head and body, per The Telegraph.
    Caroline Blair, People.com, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • However, Wuchang's visual appeal encouraged me to explore the surroundings rather than grit my teeth and push through the challenge.
    Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 11 June 2025
  • Lo-fi producers like Sleepy Fish and Aso balance that grit with warm, jazzy instrumentals perfect for relaxed studying or lowkey get-togethers.
    Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • Eventually, these wax guards will get too clogged to clean with a brush, at which point they should be replaced.
    Christopher Null, Wired News, 22 June 2025
  • Our hero manages to escape the kitty’s onslaught, but his brush with death doesn’t arrest the relentless shrinkage.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • In fact, the abrasion from repeatedly opening and closing the caps on glass and plastic bottles can release an untold amount of micro- and nanoplastics into the beverage, said Lisa Zimmermann, lead author of the study published Tuesday in the journal NPJ Science of Food.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 24 June 2025
  • Agudelo was transferred to Elmhurst Hospital where she was treated for numerous skull fractures, a puncture wound to her temple and multiple abrasions, according to Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg.
    Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • The tiger had come to the buffalo kraal at about 6 a.m., after the big bulls of the herd had already gone out to graze.
    Cyril E. Holland, Outdoor Life, 8 May 2025
  • The administration loves anyone who wants to harvest timber, mine for critical minerals, graze cattle, or produce oil and gas on federals, the interior secretary said.
    Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 15 Mar. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Scrape.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrape. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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