Synonyms of scratches

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• scrapes
• creaks
• rasps
• clashes
• grinds
• screeches
• jars
• scuffs
• clangs
• jangles
• clanks
• blasts
• croaks
• gargles
• bleats
• brays
• clangors

scratches

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of scratch

1

as in bruises

to damage by rubbing against a sharp or rough surface

scratched his arm on a branch

Synonyms & Similar Words

• scrapes
• bruises
• scuffs
• grazes
• abrades
• barks
• claws
• cuts
• skins
• chafes
• frets
• lacerates
• galls
• contuses

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• softens
• smooths
• waxes
• polishes

2

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• scrapes
• rubs
• grinds
• grates
• groans
• rasps
• whines

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• slides
• glides
• skates

3

as in scribbles

to write or draw hastily or carelessly

scratched a quick doodle in the margins

Synonyms & Similar Words

• scribbles
• scrawls
• writes
• squiggles
• prints
• letters
• jots (down)
• doodles
• pens
• pencils
• inks
• inscribes

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of scratches

Noun

Blood was also around his nose and mouth, and scratches. —Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026

Beyond its polished look, the durable material is built to resist scuffs and scratches from regular wear. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2026

Prosecutors often secure felony domestic violence convictions in the state’s criminal courts in cases where the abuse results in more minor injuries, like scratches or bruising, Schultz, a former deputy attorney general with the California Department of Justice, said. —Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 15 Jan. 2026

Avoid using them on glass, stainless steel, natural stone, ceramic, or wood to prevent scratches. —Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 13 Jan. 2026

So consider the size and severity of scratches and markings, as well as the item's price. —Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 10 Jan. 2026

Everything is wrapped in a Ceraluminum ceramic finish that resists fingerprints and scratches while feeling premium in hand. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026

This increases the longevity of your rugs and helps to avoid scratches on hardwood floors. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026

Every part is neatly packaged and labeled in its own box with a canvas sleeve to keep it safe from scratches or dust. —Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 Jan. 2026

Verb

And even though All the Little Houses is set in the ’80s, complete with Laura Ashley dresses and Jazzercise references, the novel scratches a thoroughly modern itch for real access to the inner lives of the kinds of alpha women who swarm our social media feeds. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026

And this only scratches the surface—true economic impact stands to be even higher when considering what future scientific breakthroughs could achieve. —Bob Sternfels, Fortune, 22 Jan. 2026

The Instagram post includes pictures of Nichole with a bruised lip, leg and arm and scratches on her face, shoulder and cleavage. —Rebecca Tauber, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026

Bright and spellbinding, glittering and dangerous, London Falling scratches every itch while unwinding this morbid mystery. —Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026

Gratitude hardly scratches the surface. —Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 6 Jan. 2026

But that only scratches the surface. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 23 Dec. 2025

After six games, the team has a 4-1-1 record, which just scratches the surface. —Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Dec. 2025

That barely scratches the surface. —Mars Salazar, Austin American Statesman, 16 Dec. 2025