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
He was then set to be a healthy scratch in Denver two weeks ago, when an Egor Chinakhov injury propelled him back into the lineup. — Josh Yohe, New York Times, 27 Oct. 2026 The Galaxy played without star German midfielder Marco Reus, a late scratch due to illness. — Greg Beacham, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
Verb
Worn or scratched surfaces hold onto more soil and scale, which discolors scratched or rough spots. — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 25 Oct. 2026 The images appear to show various pieces of the machine scratched and broken off, including an arm and headrest. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 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
  • Cuts and scrapes on the nonstick surface can cause it to chip or flake off, exposing the metal during cooking.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The Missouri researcher has captured and analyzed hundreds of thousands of trail-camera images over the years, with many of the best shots coming at scrapes doctored with a variety of scents and lures.
    — Michael Hanback, Outdoor Life, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of scrape
Noun
  • The proposition would allow local governments to create economic development districts with the ability to issue bonds, make loans, and award grants of public money.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Spring Grove Cemetery, a historic cemetery in Hartford’s North End that fell into disrepair, is about to get a major boost with $225,000 in state grant money expected after the city agreed to accept the funds this week.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of money
Verb
  • The discovery was made Wednesday in the Hickory Ridge area of east Charlotte, and responding officers report a man drenched in sweat tried to rub them down with garlic and bite them, according to an affidavit.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2026
  • True, but there are other issues that rubbed me the wrong way (sorry).
    — Valerie Monroe, Allure, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of rub
Verb
  • The summit register revealed roughly 40 names scribbled over the past decade, or what amounts to three or four people annually.
    — Josh Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Jonas even gave his number to Hadid’s mother, scribbled on a piece of paper.
    — Sezin Devi Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of scribble
Noun
  • Jess Alder says dollhouse props fly off shelves, and the old building’s creaks can make closing time a little unsettling.
    — Josh Davis, Baltimore Sun, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The distressed creak of nylon straps as the second coffin was lowered into the grave brought me back to the now.
    — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of creak
Noun
  • Freed of a cash crunch, the Northern Illinois Transit Authority’s 2027 preliminary budget shows a significant boost in spending as the super agency powers up to deliver more bus and rail service for riders.
    — Marni Pyke, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Advisors typically recommend keeping at least three to six months of living expenses in cash for emergency savings.
    — Kate Dore, CFP®, EA, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of cash
Verb
  • Khalilzad on Friday wrote on X that there had been reports of Pakistan arming Afghans to fight the Taliban inside Afghanistan and of the Pakistani military recruiting Afghans to fight anti-Pakistan insurgents.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Inspiring others In 1981, Runner’s World magazine published an article that Godby wrote about his 1978 run.
    — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of write
Noun
  • For instance, the outcome of a coin toss seems random at first.
    — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
  • As a character Chigurh is particularly illustrative of this worldview, often reducing the fate of other characters to a coin toss.
    — Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 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 5 Nov. 2026.

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