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 array of ferocious brushstrokes, scratches, and painterly drips amplify the complex dialogue, inviting the viewer’s interpretation. —Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025

Propelled by one of guitarist Wes Borland’s hypnotic riffs, crunching beats, old-school record scratches and the group’s signature shouty choruses, the whole thing comes crashing to a close with a pummeling final chorus that finally nods to the country star in the title. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 12 Sep. 2025

Infected fleas pass the bacteria to people through bites or when flea droppings enter cuts, scratches or eyes. —Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Sep. 2025

But sooner or later, your beautiful floor is going to get ugly scratches and gouges. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2025

On the durability side, the Air features Ceramic Shield 2 coating, which Apple claims resists scratches and accidental drops better than before. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2025

The aluminum Series 11 uses new Ion-X glass on its display, which Apple says is twice as resistant to scratches as the aluminum Series 10's glass. —PC Magazine, 10 Sep. 2025

But critics say these systems can't always distinguish between existing scratches, dirt or lighting changes, and genuine new damage. —Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 9 Sep. 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