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

Material resists scratches, and no drilling into the car is required to install them. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026 Zimmerley allegedly told deputies that the horse’s stab wounds were cat scratches, Ivey said. — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 11 Aug. 2026 Using the wrong type of cleaning product for your tub’s material can result in scratches, discoloration, or chips. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2026 Adopt a no-shoes policy indoors and use felt pads under furniture to prevent scratches. — Martha Stewart, 8 Aug. 2026 Mentos candies, despite their smooth appearance, have numerous small cracks, crevices, pores, and scratches, which act as nucleation sites. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Aug. 2026 Everything was present with no missing parts, and the optics were clean with no scratches. — Damian Peach, Space.com, 4 Aug. 2026 It can be spread to humans and animals through bites and scratches from an infected animal. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 3 Aug. 2026 One of the standout pieces in Galecki’s room is a yellow chair with visible scratches, rips and worn fabric. — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2026

Verb

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 Preparing for a college football Saturday with ACC Network scratches the same gameplanning itch for Fisher that used to take up his time during his more than three decades as a coach. — David Ubben, New York Times, 17 July 2026 Food particles and microorganisms can become trapped in the nicks, grooves, and scratches on the board. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 28 June 2026 Price's dog Chaos suffered extensive blood loss and several gashes and scratches from the bear attack. — Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 13 June 2026 Officers noted in the affidavit that the girlfriend’s injuries didn’t quite match her claims, observing a small mark on her neck, scratches on her arm and a small cut on her hand. — Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 8 June 2026 But that just scratches the surface. — R. Scott Raynovich, Forbes.com, 21 May 2026 Because glass scratches easily, pressure matters here. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 17 May 2026 Last, but certainly not least from the Article Memorial Day sale, the brand’s Torme desk scratches the itch for office furniture that isn’t sterile or corporate-looking. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 11 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scratches

Noun

They were released after they were treated at medical facilities for scrapes, cuts, dehydration and exhaustion over the weekend, State Police Lt.

— Dennis Romero, NBC news, 12 Aug. 2026
Vibrio vulnificus can enter the body through unhealed cuts and scrapes, recent piercings and tattoos, and recent surgical incisions.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of scrapes

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

The durable metal is also rust-resistant, and reviews say that despite its metal frame, creaks and squeaks are minimal.

— Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 16 July 2026
Mr Cobra opens like a dark, cobwebbed staircase leading into a vast and foreboding space, all frantic flute and piano, creaks, and bone-chilling screeches (not to mention a slutty monologue seemingly communicated via Google Translate).

— Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 17 Apr. 2026