1
as in scraping
to damage by rubbing against a sharp or rough surface
scratched his arm on a branch
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in scribbling
to write or draw hastily or carelessly
scratched a quick doodle in the margins
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in metallic
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
2
as in jagged
Related Words
Dissimilar 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 scratching
Jeremy Vaughan, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Similar to a sheet pan, whole meals can be built in a Dutch oven, scratching that same itch for convenience and less clean up.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 23 Dec. 2024
By scratching beneath the surface to uncover these positive attributes, spies are able to forge connections with even the most seemingly reprehensible individuals.
—Jeremy Hurewitz, TIME, 21 Dec. 2024
Elf is a modern Christmas classic, but one of its most head-scratching yet hilarious moments almost ended up on the cutting room floor.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 20 Dec. 2024
Much information can be gleaned from a natal chart, like astrology’s Big Three—the Sun, Moon and Rising (or Ascendant) signs—and this is just scratching the surface.
—Jessica Ourisman, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
But these forms of AI are only scratching the surface of what’s possible.
—Samantha Murphy Kelly, CNN, 19 Dec. 2024
Despite being heavier than plastic or acrylic, glass is easier to clean without scratching, though plastic containers can also work.
—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 19 Dec. 2024
And that's just scratching the surface.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024
Adjective
But that’s just scratching the surface – addressing only the symptoms of the underlying challenges and only addressing them at the end of the SDLC process.
—Jeremy Vaughan, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Similar to a sheet pan, whole meals can be built in a Dutch oven, scratching that same itch for convenience and less clean up.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 23 Dec. 2024
By scratching beneath the surface to uncover these positive attributes, spies are able to forge connections with even the most seemingly reprehensible individuals.
—Jeremy Hurewitz, TIME, 21 Dec. 2024
Elf is a modern Christmas classic, but one of its most head-scratching yet hilarious moments almost ended up on the cutting room floor.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 20 Dec. 2024
Much information can be gleaned from a natal chart, like astrology’s Big Three—the Sun, Moon and Rising (or Ascendant) signs—and this is just scratching the surface.
—Jessica Ourisman, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
But these forms of AI are only scratching the surface of what’s possible.
—Samantha Murphy Kelly, CNN, 19 Dec. 2024
Despite being heavier than plastic or acrylic, glass is easier to clean without scratching, though plastic containers can also work.
—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 19 Dec. 2024
And that's just scratching the surface.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scratching
Verb
-
Helped by the transaxle layout, the massive power gains, and sublime styling inside and out, the Vantage also requires less of the sacrifices dictated by low-slung mid-engine supercars that demand constant vigilance to avoid scraping on speed bumps, rough canyon roads, or driveways.—
Michael Teo Van Runkle,
Forbes,
29 Dec. 2024
-
The scraping sensations shouldn't be painful but may feel slightly uncomfortable.—
Carley Millhone,
Health,
27 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
This year, the smooth, rounded, metallic gem is the third-largest diamond found so far, the park said.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
13 Aug. 2025
-
Lift the dark shade with warm whites and gold or brass metallic finishes, and capture the dreamlike quality of the era with ice blue and purple accents.—
Emily Williams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
This plant is recognizable by its characteristic arrangement of leaves growing in groups of three with edges that vary from smooth to jagged.—
Christopher P. Holstege,
CNN Money,
17 Aug. 2025
-
Beads of sweat dripped in jagged lines from Brandis Rogers’ temples and the nape of her neck.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The warnings start coming in, first shrill alarms from our cellphones alerting us of a tornado warning, and then the stirring call of tornado-warning sirens outside of the windows.—
Colleen Hagerty,
Rolling Stone,
27 July 2025
-
The shrill, ominous sound is instantly recognizable, and for anyone who’s experienced the real thing, gut-churning.—
Will Ripley,
CNN Money,
17 July 2025
Adjective
-
This is a piercing and perceptive psychological thriller.—
Connie Ogle,
Boston Herald,
10 July 2025
-
As America celebrates its 249th anniversary and a declaration of independence from tyranny on July 4, Bolick's comments represent his most piercing and direct condemnation of actions taken by the country's highest political leaders.—
Taylor Seely,
AZCentral.com,
3 July 2025
Adjective
-
Finally, use proper grating technique: press food across the surface of the greater instead of down.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
30 July 2025
-
Finding the perfect coffee maker has been a perpetual and grating search for me.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
One of the lone bright spots was the return of Atlanta's superstar right fielder and former MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. The excitement of watching Acuña in during a down season may have come to a screeching halt on Tuesday.—
Andrew Wright,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 July 2025
-
The Tatum injury sent Boston’s dynastic rise into a screeching halt.—
Kristian Winfield,
Hartford Courant,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
Advocates like Diane Santos, already raw from Lamont’s singlehanded move to prevent OPCs, said the announcement was jarring.—
Katy Golvala,
Hartford Courant,
4 Aug. 2025
-
If you’re only seen Dylan at a theater these past few years, the atmosphere of the Outlaw Festival will be quite jarring.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
2 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Scratching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scratching. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share