scratch 1 of 3

Definition of scratchnext

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 kitchen is scratch and high-quality. Joe Mutascio, IndyStar, 20 Feb. 2026 Sleek, sturdy and stylish—this wooden‑base cat tree gives your cat a cozy place to climb, scratch and lounge without clashing with your home décor. Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
Just be sure there isn’t a brush roller on your vacuum that could scratch hardwood flooring. Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 10 Feb. 2026 Things escalated to the point Alexander Stephenson allegedly bit the left thumb of the one driving, and tried to scratch or gouge the other child's eyes. Dennis Valera, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scratch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scratch
Noun
  • Your first instinct may be to clean, scrape, disinfect, and paint over the problem, but this won't help for long.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Footage from the show at the time also shows a cut in her dress, as well as scrapes on her legs.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The United Kingdom does not award cash bonuses for Olympic medals, meaning Team Great Britain athletes will not receive additional payments for podium finishes in 2026.
    Lee Ying Shan,Sydney Goh, CNBC, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Know More Initially founded in 2012 with a $5 million dollar grant from the John Templeton Foundation, Nautilus incinerated cash, sparing no expense in its pursuit of bringing resplendent literary science to the reading public.
    Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Fennell begins on a black screen and the sound of creaks and moans.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Two microphones angle towards the duduk to capture resonant moans, creaks, squeaks and honks akin to the bridge’s.
    Ruby Rosenthal, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • So, the guides team decided to share more of best places for deals on food and drinks with readers this year, starting with the northern part of the county, because who doesn’t like to save money?
    Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
  • The latest chapter in this endless epic belongs to Kansas State, which is trying to line item its way out of paying Jerome Tang the money the administration offered him.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • On the other hand, if demand does not keep up with coins that lack strict caps or are still being minted, their prices can stay the same or even drop.
    Will Jones, AZCentral.com, 20 Feb. 2026
  • In an interview with The News last year, the TEXITcoin founder, who has a background in gold and silver coin manufacturing, also recounted a story he’s repeated often.
    Trevor Bach, Dallas Morning News, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is investigating three incidents of poaching involving mule deer bucks near Boise that have happened in recent months, according to a news release from the agency.
    Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Millions of dollars in federal funds were set to flow once again to the Hudson River Tunnel Thursday night, after a federal court order blocking the bucks expired.
    Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • But the group faced setbacks with foreign exchange, primarily due to the US dollar and the emerging market currencies in Latin America.
    Hikmat Mohammed, Vogue, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Likewise, the permacrisis in the economy, which endured despite Caracas’ introduction of a national crypto currency, the Petro, to bypass US sanctions, or the central bank’s removal of five zeros from the national currency, the Bolivar, to subdue hyperinflation.
    Stefano Pozzebon, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • That roll of Crescent dough in the fridge can be put to good use, especially when fish is on the menu.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Even in the trailer, scenes of slapping dough, Robbie and Elordi kissing in the rain and Elordi licking a wall were telltale signs that this would be a heightened version of the actual romance depicted in the book.
    Ellise Shafer, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Scratch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scratch. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.

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!