Synonyms of scratch

scratch 1 of 2

noun

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

• scrape
• creak
• clash
• rasp
• grind
• jar
• screech
• blast
• clang
• scuff
• croak
• clank
• jangle
• gargle
• clangor
• bleat
• bray

2

as in cash

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

• cash
• money
• coin
• bucks
• currency
• dough
• chips
• change
• gold
• funds
• loot
• tender
• legal tender
• green
• bread
• coinage
• cabbage
• dollar
• lucre
• pelf
• long green
• kale
• needful
• shekels
• moola
• wampum
• lolly
• wallet
• money order
• jack
• roll
• paper money
• resources
• promissory note
• dime
• scrip
• folding money
• finances
• specie
• capital
• draft
• bankroll
• bill
• pile
• check
• chump change
• note
• bomb
• means
• pittance
• mite
• shoestring
• peanuts
• mint
• big bucks
• banknote
• treasure
• greenback
• pot
• wad
• dead presidents
• pocket money
• earth
• petty cash
• pin money
• mad money
• spending money
• fortune
• wealth
• bundle
• dibs
• riches
• megabucks
• abundance
• boodle
• packet
• opulence
• cashier's check
• wherewithal
• king's ransom

scratch

2 of 2

verb

ˈskrach 

1

as in to scrape

to damage by rubbing against a sharp or rough surface

scratched his arm on a branch

Synonyms & Similar Words

• scrape
• graze
• scuff
• bruise
• abrade
• skin
• bark
• claw
• cut
• chafe
• fret
• lacerate
• gall
• contuse

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• soften
• smooth
• polish
• wax

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

• scrape
• rub
• grate
• grind
• rasp
• groan
• whine

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• slide
• glide
• skate

3

as in to scribble

to write or draw hastily or carelessly

scratched a quick doodle in the margins

Synonyms & Similar Words

• scribble
• write
• scrawl
• squiggle
• pen
• print
• doodle
• pencil
• jot (down)
• letter
• ink
• inscribe

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of scratch

Noun

Both Jumbo Bucks and $100,000 Cash Payday kicked off this year, indicating Mendoza has a penchant for newer scratch-off games. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 5 Aug. 2026

Everything was present with no missing parts, and the optics were clean with no scratches. — Damian Peach, Space.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Verb

There’s also a 100 percent cotton lining to prevent electronics, glasses, and other fragile items from getting scratched, and the bottom of the bag has metal feet to keep it off the ground. — Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026

Meanwhile, for those of us steeped in the tech field, there is quite a bit of head scratching going on. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing scratch

• scratch (out)

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!