1
as in metallic
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1
as in scraping
to damage by rubbing against a sharp or rough surface
scratched his arm on a branch
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in scribbling
to write or draw hastily or carelessly
scratched a quick doodle in the margins
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Recent Examples of scratching
Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 6 Jan. 2026
That pollen can fill the air, covers cars and cement, and can start noses running, eyes watering and throats scratching.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 5 Jan. 2026
Cleaning stainless steel requires a soft cloth or sponge to reduce any chances of scratching or altering the finish.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2026
The American people this morning, George, are scratching their heads in wonderment and in fear of what the president has proposed.
—ABC News, 4 Jan. 2026
While the bill analysis cited data that reflects some support among cat owners for declawing cats to keep them from scratching, advocates for the bill said declawing cats is inhumane and painful for cats when done solely for the convenience of the pet’s owner.
—Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 3 Jan. 2026
But here are our choices of the most meme-orable, eye-rolling, jaw-dropping and head-scratching moments of the year.
—Will Barker, TheWeek, 30 Dec. 2025
The stainless-steel exterior offers a sleek look that is resistant to scratching, discoloration and rust.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 29 Dec. 2025
The Dallas Cowboys have made some head-scratching moves in 2025 dating back to the preseason, which have both strengthened the interior of the defensive line but also added confusion about the future of the unit.
—Max Dible, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2025
Verb
The best vacuums for hardwood floors have a powerful cleaning performance without scratching or causing damage.
—Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 6 Jan. 2026
That pollen can fill the air, covers cars and cement, and can start noses running, eyes watering and throats scratching.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 5 Jan. 2026
Cleaning stainless steel requires a soft cloth or sponge to reduce any chances of scratching or altering the finish.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2026
The American people this morning, George, are scratching their heads in wonderment and in fear of what the president has proposed.
—ABC News, 4 Jan. 2026
While the bill analysis cited data that reflects some support among cat owners for declawing cats to keep them from scratching, advocates for the bill said declawing cats is inhumane and painful for cats when done solely for the convenience of the pet’s owner.
—Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 3 Jan. 2026
But here are our choices of the most meme-orable, eye-rolling, jaw-dropping and head-scratching moments of the year.
—Will Barker, TheWeek, 30 Dec. 2025
The stainless-steel exterior offers a sleek look that is resistant to scratching, discoloration and rust.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 29 Dec. 2025
The Dallas Cowboys have made some head-scratching moves in 2025 dating back to the preseason, which have both strengthened the interior of the defensive line but also added confusion about the future of the unit.
—Max Dible, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scratching
Adjective
-
The actress donned a slinky metallic shift dress in her latest Instagram post in partnership with the skincare brand Shiseido.—
Emma Banks,
InStyle,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Red flags included bitterness or any metallic notes the beans may have picked up during processing.—
Sam Stone,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Viola Davis's wispy, jagged bangs are the perfect accessory to her bob.—
Elise Tabin,
InStyle,
14 Jan. 2026
-
If your coat has a large or jagged tear a few inches long, seek out a professional to try repairing the damage.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
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There are 617 McDonald's restaurants in Ohio, according to the web scraping tool ScrapeHero.—
Chad Murphy,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
12 Jan. 2026
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Check on the stew every 15 to 20 minutes, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pot to prevent scorching or sticking.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In fact, Carrick’s team was the stronger outfit, dominating City in a way that surely had some supporters rubbing their eyes in disbelief.—
Graham Ruthven,
Forbes.com,
19 Jan. 2026
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Treat stubborn stains with another dab of liquid oxygen bleach, gently rubbing it into the fibers.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Pumping his fist and scribbling notes Mangione stayed active throughout the hearing, taking notes, reading documents, conferring with his lawyers and occasionally looking back toward his two-dozen or so supporters in the courtroom gallery.—
Michael R. Sisak,
Fortune,
18 Dec. 2025
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Loureiro was a popular teacher, engaging with students and scribbling numbers and figures on a white board like a physicist would be portrayed in the movies, according to Bruno Gonçalves, a plasma physicist and former colleague.—
Phil Helsel,
NBC news,
16 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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What's more, this door alarm features three sensitivity levels and emits a loud, shrill sound that will instantly scare an intruder away.—
Stephanie Gray,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Jan. 2026
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When Nosferatu showed his corpselike face, the Wonder Morton’s Vox Humana (human voice) and concert-flute pipes buzzed together in a shrill cluster.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
22 Dec. 2025
Verb
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The act of scrawling them upon the page is tangible and pleasing.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Nov. 2025
-
Chalamet invites his Instagram followers to meet him at Regal Times Square to watch the first 30 minutes of Marty Supreme by scrawling the message on his Instagram Story in orange.—
Jennifer Zhan,
Vulture,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Jinn notes that this supereffective cleansing oil rinses completely clean, leaving skin soft rather than squeaky.—
Iman Balagam,
Vogue,
6 Jan. 2026
-
The squeaky wheel definitely gets the grease today.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
2 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Scratching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scratching. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.
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