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
Districts across Illinois and beyond continue to select OrganicLife because of our talented culinary teams, personalized approach and experienced chefs who work directly in schools to prepare fresh, made-from-scratch meals students enjoy. Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026 Just five pairs of the navy blue suede sneaker were produced and were made available via a scratch-off lottery. Riley Jones, Footwear News, 18 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
Noun
  • Cut marks and scrapes made by flint knives at consistent locations on the bones indicate local humans butchered many of them for meals.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 20 Aug. 2026
  • After what seemed like an eternity, the does caught wind of the mock scrape that Kontras had placed 16 yards from his stand.
    Jeff Murray, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment.
    CBS News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • About one in three home sales in the Bay Area were all cash from April through June, Redfin found.
    Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • For instance, Qidi had to include a piece of Velcro to prevent the Polar Cooler tube from rubbing against the glass surface inside the top cover.
    Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Gently rub the entire surface in small circular motions, then use a dry cloth to wipe down the entire surface.
    Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • 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
  • However, over that time, the amounts typically scribbled or printed on the face of those checks rose.
    Jay L. Zagorsky, The Conversation, 24 July 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • Prairie grasses and bonnet strings whip in the wind as the creak of wagon wheels carries across the rippling grassland.
    Alicia Underlee Nelson, Midwest Living, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • Commissioners say that the ruling will actually save consumers money in the long run, and that the more efficient tires are better for the environment.
    Tom Wait, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • If the patient is dosed less than what’s on the label, drugmakers generally get less money.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • But blaming the technology risks obscuring the fact that humans write the code, select the data on which AI systems are trained, approve their use, and decide where and how they are deployed.
    Shaun Harper, AJC.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Ken Dychtwald, a psychologist who's written extensively about the golden years, says with more than 80 million Americans now over the age of 65, expect to see a lot more of these luxury senior communities.
    Itay Hod, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The study said the object, which left a greenish discoloration on her palate, was unlikely to be a coin, as the proportions of copper to gold did not correspond to those found in historical alloys.
    Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Assuming 20 million coins in circulation, this would imply that one bitcoin would be priced at approximately $50 million.
    Dave Birnbaum, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Scratch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scratch. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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