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
• smoothes
• 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

The same method as cleaning linoleum works for buffing scratches or scuffs out of patent leather, soft white leather, sneaker midsoles, or vinyl. —Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025

On the flip side, scratches can be complicated to remove, and any fingerprints and hard water can leave marks on your sink. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025

Fans also showed screenshots where her limbs appeared to have bruises, scratches, or small wounds. —Literary Hub, 5 Sep. 2025

The front and back glass surfaces are protected with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which resists scratches and cracking when dropped. —PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025

Transmitted by bites, scratches, or even just by getting a drop of infected blood in one's system, the virus spreads rapidly, effectively collapsing society. —Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 3 Sep. 2025

Crafted from solid wood, it’s treated to protect against heat, scratches, and water. —Jamie Fischer, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2025

The simulations showed the effect of tiny scratches in the metal – details that don’t easily appear on other computer models. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2025

The bus monitor, identified as Tamika Jackson, went to the emergency room after the incident with multiple injuries, including bite marks and scratches, the outlet reported. —Raven Brunner, People.com, 25 Aug. 2025

Verb

Light scratches in just the poly can be remedied with a 'restoring' product like Rejuvenate. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025

An elevator pitch barely scratches the surface. —Gina Riley, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Many visitors to Malta make Gozo a day trip, but that barely scratches the surface of what the 26-square-mile island has to offer. —AFAR Media, 28 Aug. 2025

And, anyway, there’s still plenty of good rap out there that scratches the country itch without having to do too much cosplay. —Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 28 Aug. 2025

That was presumably the thought process behind this Turkish production, which deftly scratches two very different itches at once. —Will Harris, EW.com, 17 Aug. 2025

The photos show Clay with bruising and swelling around one of his eyes and scratches on his face. —Raven Brunner, People.com, 17 Aug. 2025

Premier didn’t have to leave his trademark techniques behind to appropriately score Roc’s pimp chronicles; his signature scratches and vocal clips are all over the project. —Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 8 Aug. 2025

Gratitude hardly scratches the surface. —Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025