scratch 1 of 3

scratch

2 of 3

verb (1)

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)

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
Pans can also bump against each other, causing chips and scratches. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2025 Until now, Hiyune handled the initial creation from scratch, but now the two of us also contribute at that stage. Billboard Japan, Billboard, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
An ultrasonic cleaner gently removes smudges, oil, and makeup—even around the nose pads and hinges—without scratching your lenses. Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 2025 Cats need to scratch their claws not only for relief, but to sharpen them as well. Christine Persaud, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scratch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scratch
Noun
  • This compact kit includes 276 pieces, covering everything from scrapes to unexpected travel mishaps.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 5 Oct. 2025
  • The man suffered a broken foot and scrapes on his arms and legs, the statement said.
    TJ Macias, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • For instance, if both people are eligible but one earned more, collect the lower amount first to have some cash.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
  • From dishes like cast-iron live Maine lobster to a 32-ounce Creekstone Farms American Wagyu Tomahawk ribeye, this is a restaurant where you'd better be prepared to drop some cash.
    Rosalind Bowling, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The town’s departments are squeezed into tight quarters where the floor creaks with each step and thin walls make no conversation truly private.
    Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Inside the Sámi church, centuries-old wood creaks under candlelight—while at Nutti Sámi Siida (a reindeer lodge offering traditional Sámi experiences), visitors sip warm lingonberry juice and listen to joik songs.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Critics of this approach fear that Title I money could eventually be used in ways that undermine public schools — on private school vouchers, for example.
    Megan O’Matz, ProPublica, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Anthony, for instance, rushed to the bank and withdrew the money demanded and gave it to someone who came to his home.
    Madhusree Mukerjee, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Howell, the 45-year-old Charlottean, owns a company that celebrates achievement with coins and tokens that honor every milestone.
    Shane Connuck October 9, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2025
  • The nation takes the entire cure by eliminating all domestic coins and bills in circulation.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Once again, in adopting a currency board, a country keeps its own currency and central bank.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Memory is the last real currency.
    Sudhir Gupta, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The film looks like a million bucks, has a high pedigree of talent, and mistakes constant poking for conversation, endless buzzwords for a buffet of food for thought, incendiary hypotheticals for insight.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2025
  • About a dozen does with some small bucks were coming in and out of the field.
    Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • And many can be made without pastry dough.
    Malaka Gharib, NPR, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Southerners also love to use leftover bacon grease for everything from frying chicken to biscuit dough to salad dressings and sautéing vegetables.
    Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Scratch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scratch. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on scratch

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!