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
Some like to make the pudding from scratch, a delicious extra-credit choice. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 2025 The McAvoy absence meant the re-insertion of defenseman Mason Lorhei, who had been a healthy scratch during the B’s current five-game win streak. Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
Then there was the play that made many scratch their heads — the one when the Carolina Panthers’ game-tying field goal was blocked only for an esoteric NFL rule to award the Panthers with the ball, a new set of downs and great field position. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 9 Nov. 2025 Analysts have also seen evidence that Russia is procuring commercial satellite imagery from the private market – an indication that its own capabilities are not up to scratch. Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scratch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scratch
Noun
  • Active anthill, choreographed by collision warning systems,music arranged by sonics of bumps and scrapes.
    Leslie Simon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Watching Rome, Shiv, and Ken attempt to battle, scrape, and betray their way into their father’s heart—and, conversely, seeing Logan withhold, meter out, and blaspheme his version of love back at them—propelled Succession through four glorious seasons.
    John Ortved, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • If your flight is canceled or significantly delayed due to the cuts, you’re legally entitled to a cash refund, not just some future credit.
    The Kim Komando Show, FOXNews.com, 8 Nov. 2025
  • The Portugal-Japan collaboration from Moon Road Media & Films received a cash prize of $30,000 from the two sponsors of the award — TCCF organizer Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA) and France’s Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée (CNC).
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Almog hears the creak of the trapdoor opening, hushed whispers, approaching footsteps.
    Eli Sharabi, Time, 1 Oct. 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • With Alonso on the market, the Red Sox could be more eager to add a power-hitting first baseman than to re-sign Bregman for more money.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Dozens of legislators, senators and construction companies have been accused of receiving kickbacks with money that was supposed to go toward establishing thousands of flood control projects.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • By day there are parades, rat control events, and grand juries to attend, but night is when the mayor comes alive, at crypto coin launch events, sweaty outer borough raves sponsored by a new credit card, and downtime at his pad in Fort Lee.
    James Folta, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The three faced off in two contentious debates in October, in which Mamdani and Cuomo sparred over issues of integrity and experience while Sliwa sought to paint them as two sides of the same ideological coin.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • This timeless sweater dress is reminiscent of Cameron Diaz’s character in The Holiday, and you’re bound to look like a million bucks wearing it.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The Brockermeyer family is one of the most prominent football names in the history of Fort Worth, but its connection to TCU was severed over a few hundred thousand bucks.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • New Delhi, in response, provided nearly $4 billion in condition-free assistance through credit lines, currency swaps, and emergency aid.
    MUHIB RAHMAN, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2025
  • According to the United Nations, Venezuela historically does not produce enough food to meet its needs, and many products must be imported from abroad and paid for in foreign currencies.
    Stefano Pozzebon, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • These traditional Jewish desserts are made with a simple shortbread dough and filled with your favorite fruit jam.
    Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Roll out the dough and cut it into cookies.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Scratch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scratch. Accessed 19 Nov. 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!