scratch 1 of 2

scratch

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to scrape
to damage by rubbing against a sharp or rough surface scratched his arm on a branch

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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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 scratch
Noun
The man arrested had small scratches on his face and hands but was otherwise uninjured, police observed. Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 In addition to the trademark paint job that has been often replicated, the real Frankenstein also proudly displays the wear and tear, scratches, dings, and flaws played into the guitar by it's hero. Melonee Hurt, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Verb
In 2024, 118 people required medical assessment after being bitten or scratched by bats. Escher Walcott, People.com, 2 July 2025 That left many media executives scratching their heads, trying to figure out what the threat entailed – a threat that ultimately never materialized. David Goldman, CNN Money, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for scratch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scratch
Noun
  • There will be a few fewer bumps and bruises, fewer scrapes with injury, players’ health and energy preserved for the duration of the league’s longer, compact schedule.
    Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 18 June 2025
  • Pink scrape marks blossomed above and below his right eye.
    Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2025
Noun
  • Members also get Walmart cash rebates on travel services.
    Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • To model what this distribution — which will begin when the first baby bonds recipients turn 18 in 2041 — will look like, the cash catalyst program will also focus on giving money to people between the ages of 18 and 30.
    P.R. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Once the eggs are harvested, they’re gently rubbed over a metal screen to remove them from the fish’s ovaries, then rinsed, dried and salted before being packed away in blue tins.
    Kylie Williams, Miami Herald, 29 June 2025
  • Gently rub while rinsing to remove any dirt or excess fuzz.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • The principal bedroom suite comes with its own dressing room, bathroom, and study—separated just enough to imagine lyrics or verses being scribbled in quiet moments.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 27 June 2025
  • Combs, meanwhile, scribbled on his own scraps of paper and handed them to his attorneys Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • The dim shake of her flashlight on the wall, the creak of the floor.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 June 2025
  • Like any old building, Larkin Lodge has creaks and drafts, but Emily thinks there’s more going on.
    Gabino Iglesias, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • Last month, Kubler was indicted by the Justice Department on charges of securities fraud and money laundering.
    Sydney Sasser, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025
  • As far as the luxury tax is concerned, deferred money is discounted annually during the term of the contract.
    Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • The 6-3 decision, written by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, could dramatically reshape how citizenship is granted in the United States.
    Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 27 June 2025
  • His injuries left him unable to work, leading to financial woes that were exacerbated by extensive hospital bills for medical care, diagnostic tests and therapy, Moore wrote.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • The interactive cash register uses a toy credit card, coins, a scanner, and a number pad to teach everything from shopping phrases to food, numbers, and songs.
    Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 27 June 2025
  • Before 1985, the team picking first overall had been determined through a coin flip between the worst teams in each conference.
    Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 25 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Scratch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scratch. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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