SCRATCHING Synonyms: 149 Similar and Opposite Words

scratching 1 of 2

adjective

as in metallic

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Dissimilar Words

as in jagged

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Dissimilar Words

scratching

2 of 2

verb

present participle of scratch

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

as in rubbing

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

as in scribbling

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 scratching

Verb

Use them to cook without scratching your ceramic and nonstick cookware, then toss them in the dishwasher for low-maintenance cleaning. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2026 Its uniquely wide view will also help scientists decode the intricacies of dark matter and dark energy while perhaps clearing up some contradictions about our universe that scientists have been scratching their heads over for decades. — Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 30 Aug. 2026 While extreme flooding has happened in the area in the past, Thursday's scene certainly left many residents scratching their heads. — Andrew Ramos, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026 His Gators soon proved it with head-scratching penalties and poor decisions. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026 Google says the resulting material is stronger than glass and is more resistant to scratching. — Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026 The selloff in exchange stocks has execs in Chicago and New York scratching their heads, according to on and off-the-record conversations with executives. — Oliver Renick, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026 Officials said the bear swiped at the man, scratching his arm, and that the man went on to injure his foot after tripping while trying to escape. — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026 Most on this roster aren’t established major leaguers, but players scratching and clawing for staying power. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scratching

Adjective

The team is actively refining the thickness, layout, and aspect ratios of the metallic shells to maximize protection while minimizing weight, a critical factor for rocket payloads.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026
Evening jackets were everywhere on the fall runways—floor-dusting velvet opera coats, sharp tuxedos, and metallic brocade—while the key occasion dress emerged as a flapper-style drop waist.

— Madeline Fass, Vogue, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of metallic

Verb

Add the eggs one at a time on medium speed, waiting until each is incorporated into the batter and scraping down the bowl before adding the next.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
Wood is a softer surface than stainless steel and therefore can help protect your knives from wear caused by scraping against the strip.

— Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of scraping

Verb

One juror was rubbing his eyes as Sullivan talked, and another was clasping and unclasping his hands in his lap.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2026
Danger, Olivo, and Mosco had just eaten by the gazebo and Damaris was rubbing her pup’s head goodnight, about to go into the shack.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of rubbing

Verb

Barratt plays Tom Riddle, a former Hogwarts student who meets Harry in the form of a mysterious voice magically scribbling messages through an enchanted notebook.

— Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Sep. 2026
With the bulk of his work at practice done for the day, Achord retreats to the back of the end zone with Koonz, squatting and scribbling something on paper.

— Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of scribbling

Adjective

The shrill call of the shofar ensures no one falls asleep during lengthy Jewish High Holy Day services each year.

— Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Amid the rumblings of construction at nearby David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, the sound of a shrill whistle and chopping feet at the nearby Murfin Family Practice Fields signaled one thing.

— Christian Marshall, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of shrill

Verb

Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian villages in the occupied West Bank early Sunday, setting fire to two mosques and scrawling graffiti on buildings, Palestinian officials said.

— Reuters, NBC news, 27 July 2026
The elder statesman Hall scrawling his signature on the Declaration was in doubt in the run-up to the first Independence Day.

— Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 30 June 2026