scratch 1 of 2

Definition of scratchnext
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 stoneware resists chips, scratches, and stains, and everything is dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026 Two healthy scratches may come from this group — Alexander and Jamison-Travis would be candidates as the roster stands now. Dan Duggan, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Verb
Based on a photo shared by the fan, the star appeared to have been scratched. Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026 Use them to cook without scratching your ceramic and nonstick cookware, then toss them in the dishwasher for low-maintenance cleaning. Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scratch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scratch
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
Noun
  • Palo Alto is putting its money where its mouth is on agentic security, announcing Tuesday the acquisition of Console for an undisclosed sum.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Gordon was completed swiftly, earning Newcastle more money than anticipated (with €70m benchmarked).
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • One juror was rubbing his eyes as Sullivan talked, and another was clasping and unclasping his hands in his lap.
    Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Danger, Olivo, and Mosco had just eaten by the gazebo and Damaris was rubbing her pup’s head goodnight, about to go into the shack.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Looney Tunes reference scribbled in the geographic direction of Hollywood.
    Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • 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
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
Noun
  • In 1989, the holiday food drive became a year-round program, and in 1990 the company’s stores began accepting cash donations at the register.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Ganiyu received about $671,438 from citizenship applicants through Zelle and Cash App, along with $287,830 in cash deposits that prosecutors say were meant to conceal the money’s source, according to court documents, the New York Post reported.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • James Horncastle wrote a really great guide on what to expect.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Capricorn December 22 – January 19 A financial conversation may reveal more than what’s written on the bill.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 7 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • There are low-budget neon casinos, pawn shops, all-night wedding chapels, and jewelry exchanges promising top dollar for coins, bullion, and scrap.
    Jeff Weiss, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Two Anglo-Saxon coins were minted under King Edward the Elder, who came to rule most of England during his reign from 899 to 924.
    Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Scratch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scratch. Accessed 8 Sep. 2026.

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