scratches 1 of 2

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
1
as in bruises
to damage by rubbing against a sharp or rough surface scratched his arm on a branch

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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

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3
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
After several flights, the shell is still free of scratches and signs of wear. Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025 In the Facebook video, Loki happily accepted gentle petting and head scratches. Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025 Because it can be transmitted through scratches, bites, and saliva, Strickland was required to wear long sleeves, a head covering, a surgical mask, a face shield, steel-toed boots, and two pairs of gloves—and to sedate her charges for even the most straightforward procedures. Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025 While sponges and gentle scrubbers are safe for stainless steel, do not use steel wool or abrasive scouring pads, which can leave permanent scratches. Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2025 Sitting up, Rosemary realizes her back and sides are covered in bright red scratches. Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 30 Oct. 2025 Surface scratches are to be expected but avoid deep cuts and squash with any soft spots. Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 29 Oct. 2025 The Pander fanny pack from Amazon is made with water-resistant nylon and stands up against scratches, promising long-lasting durability. Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025 Even worse, scratches, dents, and imperfections can stand out dramatically. Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
There are certainly some top-notch barbecue restaurants that made the cut, but the Michelin selection barely scratches the surface of the South’s long, proud barbecue tradition. Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2025 The affidavit said that the victim suffered minor injuries, including a bruise on her left eye and scratches on the right side of her neck. Rachel Desantis, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025 The Science Behind the Hack Elkus explained that the marks often seen on white or light-colored dishes are metal deposits left behind by silverware, not scratches in the glaze. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025 If a pet bites or scratches someone during a rabies exposure quarantine, owners are required to report the incident to LMPHW, officials said. Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 24 Oct. 2025 If you car has swirls and scratches on its paint, your local car wash could be to blame. Charles Singh, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025 Reese’s fans should go straight for the Peanut Butter Cup flavor, which scratches that candy bar itch without the sugar crash. Emily Farris, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025 How to get tickets For shoppers like Agresta, whether the needle ever scratches the grooves is beside the point. Heather Bushman, IndyStar, 1 Oct. 2025 Fingerprints, dust, and scratches torpedoed early designs that envisioned users removing the discs from sleeves as casually as record albums; instead, the final version kept the discs encased in a plastic shell that was then inserted into the player. Allison Marsh, IEEE Spectrum, 17 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scratches
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
  • All told, DeRose-Broeckert collected data from 109 fresh rubs and 37 fresh scrapes.
    Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The video shows the pup lounging around in various positions in a home setting, from asleep on the floor and over a blanket to playing with a dog toy and lying on the floor with her legs in the air as a hand rubs her belly.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
  • For a deeper dive into DeRose-Broeckert’s findings about how deer perceive scrapes and rubs, head over to NDA.
    Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Inside the Sámi church, centuries-old wood creaks under candlelight—while at Nutti Sámi Siida (a reindeer lodge offering traditional Sámi experiences), visitors sip warm lingonberry juice and listen to joik songs.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Hope scrawls a single word on the paper and folds it up.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 21 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Scratches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scratches. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.

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