SCRATCHES Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

scratches 1 of 2

noun

plural of scratch

as in scrapes

a harsh grating sound the scratch of metal on metal is not a good sound for a car to make

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scratches

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of scratch

as in bruises

to damage by rubbing against a sharp or rough surface scratched his arm on a branch

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in rubs

to pass roughly and noisily over or against a surface the branches of the willow tree scratch against the windowpane whenever the wind blows

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in scribbles

to write or draw hastily or carelessly scratched a quick doodle in the margins

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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 scratches

Noun

Using a scrub brush on your glass cooktop will create scratches over time. — Sarah Everett, The Spruce, 2 Nov. 2026 Sue Spitzer of Rockford had on her pendant made of green glass, which was smooth and glossy on top but laced with tiny white scratches on the bottom. — Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026 Officers responding to a report of a disheveled person found Asia with scratches and injuries on their face and arms. — Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2026 Infected cats were spreading the disease to dogs and humans through scratches, bites, and even sneezes. — Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 27 Oct. 2026 If cleaning isn’t resolving discoloration and there are noticeable scratches or rough spots on the surface, the fixture likely needs to be replaced. — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 25 Oct. 2026 MacIntosh also points out that the fecal avoidance experiment bears little connection to how the initial outbreak spread, through bodily fluids transmitted through scratches or bites. — Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 23 Oct. 2026 For scratches or minor dings from fender benders, owners can replace the exterior body panels themselves. — Eric Bangeman, ArsTechnica, 20 Oct. 2026 Not only was there the initial flare-up, but now there were huge red scratches and hives. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026

Verb

Two days later, my husband found the frame of my wheelchair dropped off on our doorstep, scratches across the front, two parts dangling. — Rebekah Taussig, Time, 28 Oct. 2026 Washing bites or scratches immediately with soap and water after possible rabies exposure. — Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 11 Sep. 2026 The agency also advises people to wash any bites or scratches right away with soap and water. — Aria Bendix, NBC news, 10 Sep. 2026 Culturally, college football scratches the human itch for tribalism, which America’s ethos of individualism fortunately discourages. — George F. Will, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026 The brand’s Krossa desk scratches the itch for office furniture that isn’t sterile or corporate-looking. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026 At the start of each summer season, the mayor takes an inaugural swim at a local beach, though Tom’s outing gets spooky when a potentially supernatural being scratches him out in the water. — Nicholas Derenzo, Travel + Leisure, 25 Aug. 2026 Health officials say people can prevent rabies by keeping bats out of homes, vaccinating their pets and washing bites or scratches with soap and water before seeking medical help. — Nicholas Lentz, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026 But as his guitar scratches away at Stewart’s velvet synths and glances off Mitchell’s drums, sing Reilly does. — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scratches

Noun

Cuts and scrapes on the nonstick surface can cause it to chip or flake off, exposing the metal during cooking.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 19 Oct. 2026
The Missouri researcher has captured and analyzed hundreds of thousands of trail-camera images over the years, with many of the best shots coming at scrapes doctored with a variety of scents and lures.

— Michael Hanback, Outdoor Life, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of scrapes

Verb

My colleague counters that to do so rubs salt in the wound, and that the loser is the one to first contact the winner with congratulations.

— Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
By the end of the nineteenth century, health tourists could easily travel to Davos, in the east of Switzerland, where the mountain vistas were more dramatic and newer treatments, such as chest rubs with marmot fat, awaited.

— D. T. Max, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of rubs

Verb

But when Ava makes a bathroom trip, Deb hastily scribbles something in her notepad.

— Judy Berman, Time, 29 May 2026
More tournaments to come While Yount has developed a near-superpower of watching 12 mats at once, Smith, for the most part, relaxes in his seat and enjoys the show at Ball Arena while Yount scribbles on his brackets.

— Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 21 Feb. 2026

Definition of scribbles

Noun

Jess Alder says dollhouse props fly off shelves, and the old building’s creaks can make closing time a little unsettling.

— Josh Davis, Baltimore Sun, 30 Oct. 2026
Dillon put together another great week of work, falling forward, finding creaks of daylight in the gaps created by a less-than-ideal second-team offensive line.

— Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 21 Aug. 2026