scratch 1 of 2

noun

Definition of scratchnext
1
as in scrape
a harsh grating sound the scratch of metal on metal is not a good sound for a car to make

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in money
slang something (as pieces of stamped metal or printed paper) customarily and legally used as a medium of exchange, a measure of value, or a means of payment she treated her buddies to a drink whenever she had the scratch for it

Synonyms & Similar Words

scratch

2 of 2

verb

ˈskrach How to pronounce scratch (audio)
1
as in to scrape
to damage by rubbing against a sharp or rough surface scratched his arm on a branch

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to rub
to pass roughly and noisily over or against a surface the branches of the willow tree scratch against the windowpane whenever the wind blows

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to scribble
to write or draw hastily or carelessly scratched a quick doodle in the margins

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 scratch
Noun
She scratch-bakes 850 rolls each week to sell at the market on weekends. — Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026 The setup is almost effortless using ISA auto-alignment technology, a 360-degree adjustable stand for wall-to-ceiling projection, and scratch-resistant lens protection. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
The bear scratched his arm, and the victim tripped and injured his foot while trying to escape, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. — Jon Haworth, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026 Officials said the bear swiped at the man, scratching his arm, and that the man went on to injure his foot after tripping while trying to escape. — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scratch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scratch
  1. scrape
  2. money
  3. rub
  4. scribble
  5. creak
  6. cash
  7. write
  8. coin
Noun
  • Pack a tube of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) in your first aid kit instead of antibiotic ointment and remember to flush all scrapes and cuts with copious amounts of clean water before covering them with the jelly.
    — Dr. Jill Grimes, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
  • This follows previous scrapes of the dataset posted on Reddit (since taken down by the original poster) and the AI model clearinghouse Hugging Face.
    — Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of scrape
Noun
  • Celebrity has always been commercial, and famous people have always converted attention into money.
    — Laura Jung, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2026
  • For one, California’s program has that annual cap on the total amount of money that can be awarded as production incentives, a limit that does not exist in other states and countries.
    — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of money
Verb
  • For someone with a flexible foot or a narrow forefoot where the toes tend to crowd each other, separating the big toe from the second toe can reduce rubbing and irritation.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The tacos feature za’atar rubbed swordfish kissed by a wood-burning grill, dabbed with tangy pools of labne and a salsa arabe, similar to harissa.
    — The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of rub
Verb
  • With the bulk of his work at practice done for the day, Achord retreats to the back of the end zone with Koonz, squatting and scribbling something on paper.
    — Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Jack McGrail and Aiyana Da’Briel, staff leaders for the SoLa Live Accelerator program behind the event, seemed to be everywhere at once, passing out wristbands and scribbling on clipboards.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
Definition of scribble
Noun
  • Dillon put together another great week of work, falling forward, finding creaks of daylight in the gaps created by a less-than-ideal second-team offensive line.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The durable metal is also rust-resistant, and reviews say that despite its metal frame, creaks and squeaks are minimal.
    — Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 16 July 2026
Definition of creak
Noun
  • The winner will receive a cash prize of $10,000 from Artemis Rising Foundation.
    — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Offer is nontransferable, subject to availability, and has no cash value.
    — The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of cash
Verb
  • For nearly four decades, Jeanne Phillips wrote the column, which was founded in 1956 by her mother, Pauline Phillips.
    — Abigail Van Buren, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Warchus says the show’s small ensemble size, which has to account for understudies across both the Welsh and LGSM characters, further limited how many roles could be written.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of write
Noun
  • Towering patent leather Louboutins hid underneath the floor-grazing dress, while a tiny coin purse provided the finishing touch.
    — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The same research cites a case in which Amazon's Alexa told a ten-year-old to touch a live electrical plug with a coin, a machine executing a request flawlessly while having no idea a child had made it.
    — Dana Williams, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of coin

Phrases Containing scratch

Browse Nearby Words

scraps
scratch
scratched
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Cite this Entry

“Scratch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scratch. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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