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
Natural Stone Surfaces Another surface that’s susceptible to scratches and etching is natural stone. Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 15 July 2026 The box is made of pry-proof, scratch-resistant steel and has a foam-padded interior to keep everything in place inside. Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2026
Verb
Fine particles trapped in microfiber can scratch surfaces like glass and crystal. Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 15 July 2026 If you have been bitten or scratched by any stray animals or an animal suspected to have rabies, seek medial care immediately and let your provider know about the possible exposure. Dan Raby, CBS News, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for scratch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scratch
Noun
  • Necrotizing fasciitis can be contracted when bacteria that thrives in warm, brackish waters enters the body through open cuts, scrapes, burns or other puncture wounds, or by eating raw or undercooked shellfish.
    Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026
  • The agency also recommends those at higher risk for infection wear water shoes or clothes in coastal water to prevent cuts and scrapes.
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2026
Noun
  • Police located a third gun and an undisclosed amount of cash inside of a bag in a closet, BPD said.
    Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 20 July 2026
  • Conforti, an energy consultant making her third run for Congress, had less than $23,000 in campaign cash as of June 30.
    Russell Lissau, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026
Verb
  • Edward rubs his lamb with turmeric, Aleppo chile powder, salt and pepper.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026
  • That certainly rubbed some players the wrong way, including McIlroy.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2026
Verb
  • One $10,000 loan, memorialized in a note scribbled in Vietnamese, called for $100 a day in interest.
    Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • Her Eras Tour, the really beautiful white gown with her lyrics that were scribbled across the dress that was custom Vivienne.
    Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 30 June 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
  • The suspect entered a Wells Fargo Bank branch and demanded money from a bank employee.
    Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
  • Snapchat mastermind and man who gets a lot of money to play soccer, Erling Haaland, is out of the World Cup and headed back to Norway, but not without some souvenirs.
    Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 14 July 2026
Verb
  • But as written previously, Jeffers is a potential free agent who could bring back bullpen help, and the Twins could replace him with Victor Caratini and Alex Jackson.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • He is repped by WME and Liebman Entertainment Baker is writing and executive producing, with both Kidman and Fanning executive producing in addition to starring.
    Joe Otterson, Variety, 20 July 2026
Noun
  • The Thames holds innumerable coins, dress pins, and nails from the pre-industrial era.
    Sam Knight, New Yorker, 17 July 2026
  • Heritage pointed to an ever-broadening universe of collectors entering through everything from Pokémon cards and vintage video games to sports memorabilia and coins.
    Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 17 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Scratch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scratch. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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