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

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

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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
The 17e uses Ceramic Shield 2, Apple’s custom glass that offers scratch resistance and drop protection on the front, alongside standard frosted glass on the back. — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026 Officers responding to a report of a disheveled person found Asia with scratches and injuries on their face and arms. — Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2026
Verb
That cute little feral furball was mean as hell and bit, scratched, and ultimately abandoned the family. — Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026 Anyone who is bit or scratched should immediately seek medical attention and report the attack to police. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 2 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scratch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scratch
Noun
  • Does, and bucks that are between does, continue checking scrapes.
    — Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 31 Oct. 2026
  • Cuts and scrapes on the nonstick surface can cause it to chip or flake off, exposing the metal during cooking.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 19 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Chambers himself is now accused of riot, conspiracy to riot, and money laundering offenses, defense attorney Aitor Martínez Jiménez told the Washington Examiner.
    — Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 9 Nov. 2026
  • So much of it is unfortunately about money now, more than ever before.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 8 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • For small spots and stains, gently rub them with an art gum eraser.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The simplest answer to how to wash fruits and veggies is to start with clean hands, then rinse produce under cool running water while rubbing it for about 20 seconds.
    — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The summit register revealed roughly 40 names scribbled over the past decade, or what amounts to three or four people annually.
    — Josh Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Jonas even gave his number to Hadid’s mother, scribbled on a piece of paper.
    — Sezin Devi Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Jess Alder says dollhouse props fly off shelves, and the old building’s creaks can make closing time a little unsettling.
    — Josh Davis, Baltimore Sun, 30 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • Freed of a cash crunch, the Northern Illinois Transit Authority’s 2027 preliminary budget shows a significant boost in spending as the super agency powers up to deliver more bus and rail service for riders.
    — Marni Pyke, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Advisors typically recommend keeping at least three to six months of living expenses in cash for emergency savings.
    — Kate Dore, CFP®, EA, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The title track is written from the perspective of the DJ Fagen envisioned, the sage who schooled his younger self on what mattered, though this character is more of a Shepherd type.
    — Mark Richardson, Pitchfork, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Getting more aggressive at writing new policies always tends to put pressure on an auto insurer's bottom line.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • The researchers then tested the electrolyte in experimental coin cells using lead and lead fluoride electrodes.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
  • But sometimes, in reality, they are decided by a midnight coin toss in a parking lot in front of Catfish Roundup.
    — Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Scratch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scratch. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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