scratch 1 of 3

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

Relevance
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

scratch

2 of 3

verb (1)

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

scratch (out)

3 of 3

verb (2)

1
as in to write
to compose and set down on paper the words of scratched out a poem for his beloved wife on the home front

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to delete
to show (something written) to be no longer valid by drawing a cross over or a line through it scratched out the old phone number and wrote in the new one

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 sauces and guacamole are reportedly scratch-made, and the carnitas in particular are cooked for three hours. — John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 8 July 2026 The photos of the front and driver’s side of a white van show no dents or scratches. — Michael Loria, USA Today, 7 July 2026
Verb
Casey Schmitt was scratched from Sunday’s starting lineup due to an illness, but entered the game for the ailing Adames. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 30 June 2026 Although the sandals have a more structured design, the 100 percent leather upper is very soft and doesn’t scratch the feet. — Caitlyn Fitzpatrick, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for scratch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scratch
  1. scrape
  2. cash
  3. rub
  4. scribble
  5. creak
  6. money
  7. write
  8. coin
Noun
  • 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
  • Three people were in the silver Chevrolet truck, and all managed to escape with minor cuts and scrapes, the sheriff’s office said.
    — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
Definition of scrape
Noun
  • No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don't expire as long as your account remains open.
    — Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 13 July 2026
  • The district’s expenses are outpacing incoming revenue; there is no cash reserve cushion.
    — Jennifer Custer, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026
Definition of cash
Verb
  • But the comfort extends beyond the insole, as the soft fabric straps help prevent rubbing while also lending the sandals a more elevated look.
    — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2026
  • Known for her dry humor and blunt honesty, Jeana has a tendency to rub her castmates the wrong way by saying exactly what’s on her mind.
    — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 10 July 2026
Definition of rub
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
Definition of scribble
Noun
  • 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
  • Iwerks worked with Bonnie Wild, a sound mixer whose credits include multiple Marvel and Star Wars projects, to piece together all of the sound from scratch — every creak of metal, every footstep and hammer, and every tractor driving across concrete.
    — Matthew Jacobs, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2026
Definition of creak
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
Definition of money
Verb
  • Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Hollywood), who co-wrote the legislation that expanded the film and television tax credit, says that the cap appears to have been an oversight, and that members believed the film program was exempt.
    — Gio Insignares, CBS News, 14 July 2026
  • Kolmogorov wrote the formal proof himself and submitted it for publication with Karatsuba listed as the lead author.
    — Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 13 July 2026
Definition of write
Noun
  • The other side of the coin here is those who only want to question the integrity of the country, or only want to enumerate its deals with the devil, that’s not healthy either.
    — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 11 July 2026
  • My father has sued both the bank and the coin company for negligence.
    — Ari Maas, New York Daily News, 11 July 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 16 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of scratch for Spanish Speakers

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