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
The musical had its first-ever scratch performance in 2017 at The Lowry, the venue in Manchester that co-commissioned the production and supported its early development. Dave Quinn, People.com, 28 May 2025 Photo : Boreham Motorworks These cars are brand-new vehicles hand-built from scratch, rather than created from existing shells. Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 28 May 2025
Verb
Minutes before Sunday’s game, the Royals scratched second baseman Jonathan India from the lineup. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 25 May 2025 Despite this, there are safety considerations to keep in mind after being scratched by a feline. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for scratch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scratch
Noun
  • Currently, the beaches of Torrey Pines are crowded with photographers hoping for that perfect picture of peregrine falcon chicks being raised in crude scrape nests placed on precarious perches, high on the sandstone cliffs.
    Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025
  • Injuries suffered by the officers included a groin injury, an ankle strain or stress fracture, a chest contusion, scrapes and bruising.
    Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • In the next few years, expect to see even more people quietly stacking cash from their living rooms, offering hyper-specific products and services and never worrying about beating the algorithm.
    King Holder, Rolling Stone, 22 May 2025
  • Having to pay cash for everything up front has stifled businesses’ ability to grow.
    Taylor Luck, Christian Science Monitor, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • There’s no music, either, to soften or ennoble proceedings, only the indifferent murmur of weather over the startling debris of human conflict, or the slow creak of a galleon on lapping waters as sailors are sent cruelly to their deaths.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 28 May 2025
  • My assumption is that most rational human beings would happily stay in a warm and cozy office and simply listen to the building creak and groan under the force of the violent gusts.
    Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 11 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This could take up to 45 days for the money to eventually reach your account.
    Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • In the short run, using money to buy power and power to make money may shield them from Trump’s rages.
    Evan Osnos, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
Noun
  • An affiliate of The Trump Organization and the company Fight Fight Fight LLC own 80% of the meme coins, according to the cryptocurrency's website.
    Zac Anderson, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Trump spoke to the top 220 investors of his meme coin at his Virginia golf club after flying there from the White House on a military helicopter.
    Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • American tariffs are anticipated to further take a toll on U.S. currency values.
    Allison Landa, Travel + Leisure, 21 May 2025
  • If China and Europe revalue their currencies too, trade flows could shift dramatically.
    Clem Chambers, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • Halve dough and gently shape each half into a 6- x 3-inch loaf (do not overwork dough).
    Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 26 May 2025
  • In the next town over, White Stone’s Chesapeake Doughnut Co. also serves Blanchard’s coffee, along with classic and creative doughnut flavors and tasty sandwiches on homemade biscuits or buns made from doughnut dough.
    Simon Davidson, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Scratch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scratch. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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