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

While melamine sponges are certainly effective cleaning tools, they are also considered an abrasive material and can leave fine scratches all across your stainless steel appliances. — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 28 Sep. 2026 An infected animal can spread rabies to humans and other animals through bites, scratches or oral secretions. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 28 Sep. 2026 Storing knives loose in a drawer and scrubbing them too zealously creates a fine network of scratches, further dulling the finish. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2026 Hahn is also the DJ of Linkin Park, the man behind the keys and record scratches that give the band its distinct blend of genres. — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 21 Sep. 2026 Vernon works directly into wax with scalpels and other implements, allowing scratches, fingerprints, and cuts to survive their translation into metal. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026 Rabies is spread through bites and scratches from infected animals — most often bats, foxes, raccoons and skunks — and is almost always fatal once symptoms begin, though a four-to-five-shot vaccine given after exposure is nearly 100% effective. — The Sacramento Bee Staff, Sacbee.com, 20 Sep. 2026 Focus on particularly dry spots or scratches on the wood’s surface. — Emily Hayes, Martha Stewart, 17 Sep. 2026 But the virus can spread to people through the bites and scratches of an infected mammal. — Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Sep. 2026

Verb

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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scratches

Noun

The visits mainly addressed dehydration, minor cuts and scrapes and pre-existing medical conditions.

— Ruby Grisin, Louisville Courier Journal, 18 Sep. 2026
Such play could have caused superficial abrasions and scrapes, offering the bacterium an opening.

— Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of scrapes

Verb

Achord stands behind Smack each time and, before one kick, rubs his belly with his other hand over his head as some sort of signal.

— Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
But during the following two years, Van Lith saw only gigantic tracks and adrenaline-inspiring antler rubs that had been left behind by the buck of his dreams.

— Jeff Murray, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 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

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
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