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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

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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
The disease is primarily spread to humans through bites and scratches from infected animals like bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. — Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 11 Sep. 2026 Surface scratches and worn edges of a letterpress tray tell the story of its previous life. — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Sep. 2026
Verb
Avoid abrasive tools like steel wool or rough scrubbers, which can scratch surfaces and wear down markings. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 17 Sep. 2026 However, he was scratched from his start Saturday against the Atlanta Braves. — Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 15 Sep. 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
  • Millions of users have unknowingly become proxy nodes after installing free VPNs or dubious browser extensions, allowing attackers to create fake accounts, scrape data at scale and commit promo and payment fraud.
    — Dan Pinto, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Such play could have caused superficial abrasions and scrapes, offering the bacterium an opening.
    — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of scrape
Noun
  • That pick also comes with significantly more money (close to $3 million in 2026) for a team’s draft bonus pool.
    — Tim Britton, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The money will go toward manufacturing research for the hardware behind its quantum processors.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of money
Verb
  • As far as technique, pressing is gentler on dry skin than rubbing or dragging.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Among other things, Noohu accused showrunner Ed Brubaker of rubbing his back and of making comments about running his hands through Noohu’s hair.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of rub
Verb
  • Barratt plays Tom Riddle, a former Hogwarts student who meets Harry in the form of a mysterious voice magically scribbling messages through an enchanted notebook.
    — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Looney Tunes reference scribbled in the geographic direction of Hollywood.
    — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of scribble
Noun
  • 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
  • Which, aurally, lies somewhere between a door creak and an ass smack.
    — Jason Sheeler, InStyle, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of creak
Noun
  • At that point, the cost and structure of risk transfer may warrant the same financial analysis leadership applies to debt, capital expenditures and other major cash uses.
    — Randy Sadler, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Step Back The crypto industry is waiting on the vote to deploy tens of millions of dollars in campaign cash.
    — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of cash
Verb
  • The album features 15 tracks, of which 13 are original tunes co-written by Munsick, heavily bent toward the American West and its native culture.
    — Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Feldstein was their foot soldier, working to get news stories written and noticed.
    — Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of write
Noun
  • The actresses alternate between the roles of Electra/Elisabeth and Clytemnestra/Alma each night, depending on a coin toss.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026
  • There are also 118 physical meters still active across the downtown and beach areas that accept bills and coins.
    — Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of coin

Phrases Containing scratch

Browse Nearby Words

scraps
scratch
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Cite this Entry

“Scratch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scratch. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

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