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

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 Both laminate and vinyl floors offer qualities that perform very well to prevent scratches, dents, and water damage, and as a result, both styles are go-to choices for homeowners who want that peace of mind. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 31 July 2026 According to appliance expert Ilaria Castagnoli, white film can also be caused by micro-scratches left behind by abrasive cookware or cleaning pads. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 29 July 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 All 19 other Blackhawks players in the lineup, plus two scratches, are gone. — Scott Powers, New York Times, 24 July 2026 Six legs and a center support help create a stable foundation, while linen protectors cover the rail ends and floor-friendly glides help prevent scratches on hard floors. — Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 22 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

That includes recent surgical sites, fresh tattoos and piercings, and even minor cuts or scrapes.

— Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 30 July 2026
Necrotizing fasciitis can be contracted when bacteria that thrives in warm, brackish waters enters the body through open cuts, scrapes, burns or other puncture wounds, or by eating raw or undercooked shellfish.

— Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 15 July 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