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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

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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

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
  • In each case, the contracts were built off of what would stand as less than mid-level money, with both having higher potential upside.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Instead, two coaches making almost identical money were standing on opposite sidelines Saturday night trying to revive two programs with almost identical problems.
    — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 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
  • An urge strong enough to pull me away from the kitchen, grab my computer, and steal a table outside to scribble out my thoughts.
    — Samantha Rees, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The gesture sets off a chain reaction, as a parade of strangers begins scribbling their own complaints, anxieties and grudges across the same tiles.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 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
  • On September 18, the FCC approved an enormous infusion of foreign cash to finance the deal.
    — David Folkenflik, NPR, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The award determined by audience ballot comes with a $10,000 cash prize.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 21 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
scratched
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Cite this Entry

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

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