scratch 1 of 2

Definition of scratchnext

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

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
Knowing how to handle tricky situations, such as water spots or accidental scratches, can prevent costly repairs. Jacob Little, Space.com, 12 Mar. 2026 Entrepreneurs often start with very little and build something valuable from scratch. Michael Sonnenfeldt, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
Elzie Harrington was in a walking boot and scratched again. Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026 The first, Andre Drummond, had just scratched the surface of his abilities as a freshman in 2011-12. Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 14 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scratch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scratch
Noun
  • Recovery and What Comes Next At SeaWorld’s facility, the care team focused on hydrating and warming the manatee while treating cuts and scrapes on the belly and underside, as well as treating an infection.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2026
  • There, the team focused on hydrating and warming him while treating cuts and scrapes on his belly and underside, along with an infection.
    Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 4 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • If no one wins the jackpot, the cash prize will keep ticking up.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 15 Mar. 2026
  • The appropriation, which came as part of the President’s domestic-spending bill, has kept ICE flush with cash during the shutdown.
    Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Gently rub away any remaining margarine with a paper towel.
    Annabelle Canela, Parents, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Start by cutting off any branches that are diseased, dead, or broken, as well as those that are crossing and rubbing against each other.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Graduate students in tie-dye shirts worked under fume hoods; on the glass that protected them from chemicals, synthesis reactions were scribbled in black marker.
    Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Family members, supporters of the defendants and law enforcement officers sat through hours of closing arguments and instructions to jurors, with some scribbling notes and others dabbing tears from their eyes.
    Sarah Bahari, Dallas Morning News, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The Freight House building creaks and moans underfoot, and passing trains produce little more than a subtle hum.
    Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
  • Fennell begins on a black screen and the sound of creaks and moans.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Richins declined to testify at the trial, where the prosecution painted her as a killer set on taking her husband's money.
    Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Iza held the victim at gunpoint and demanded the business partner transfer money to him — which the business partner did later that day, documents filed in Los Angeles federal court show.
    City News Service, Daily News, 17 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Seferlis is from Kensington, Maryland, and appeared to write the letters as a response to the war in Gaza, according to reports.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 17 Mar. 2026
  • More than 40 businesses, nonprofits and community organizations, including some led by kids, have come together to write a policy playbook for Colorado's next governor.
    Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The unlawful taking of items from a machine or device that is operated or activated by the use of coins.
    Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 13 Mar. 2026
  • The study’s first author is doctoral researcher Kevin Velasquez, who tested the coated cathodes using coin cells commonly used in low-power electronics such as watches and calculators.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 13 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Scratch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scratch. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on scratch

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster