scratches 1 of 2

Definition of scratchesnext
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

Relevance

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in scribbles
to write or draw hastily or carelessly scratched a quick doodle in the margins

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
So consider the size and severity of scratches and markings, as well as the item's price. Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 10 Jan. 2026 Everything is wrapped in a Ceraluminum ceramic finish that resists fingerprints and scratches while feeling premium in hand. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026 This increases the longevity of your rugs and helps to avoid scratches on hardwood floors. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026 Every part is neatly packaged and labeled in its own box with a canvas sleeve to keep it safe from scratches or dust. Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 Jan. 2026 To avoid scratches, don’t slide heavy pots across the surface—pick them up and move them instead. Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 7 Jan. 2026 Its suede lining protects lenses from scratches, and its thick material prevents glasses from getting crushed. Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026 Urho Vaakanainen returned to the lineup following eight healthy scratches in the previous nine games and had a rough go at it. Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026 In the Facebook video, Loki happily accepted gentle petting and head scratches. Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
Bright and spellbinding, glittering and dangerous, London Falling scratches every itch while unwinding this morbid mystery. Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026 Gratitude hardly scratches the surface. Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 6 Jan. 2026 But that only scratches the surface. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 23 Dec. 2025 After six games, the team has a 4-1-1 record, which just scratches the surface. Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Dec. 2025 That barely scratches the surface. Mars Salazar, Austin American Statesman, 16 Dec. 2025 The number of back-to-backs, however, only scratches the surface of the Warriors’ brutal slate. Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 26 Nov. 2025 While researchers now have emissions data from conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, Weir says that only scratches the surface. Simmone Shah, Time, 20 Nov. 2025 And that just scratches the surface of Riddle’s vast discography. Paul Grein, Billboard, 18 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scratches
Noun
  • The fieldwork covered 146 signposts in all, providing a broad look at 109 rubs and 37 scrapes across the forest.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 26 Dec. 2025
  • Eye rinse helped, but didn’t prevent fresh cuts and scrapes, or stray seeds from gathering in his eyes.
    Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 24 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Dramatic silence after someone makes a comment that rubs them the wrong way.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 25 Dec. 2025
  • Finally, with the boom of a cannon and the roar of the crowd, each team member and coach rubs Howard’s Rock for luck before hurtling down the hill toward the home sideline.
    Elizabeth Hutchison Hicklin, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scratches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scratches. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on scratches

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!