Synonyms of scratching

scratching 1 of 2

adjective

1

as in metallic

Related Words

• metallic
• shrill
• squeaky
• clashing
• grating
• blaring
• screeching
• jarring
• raucous
• strident
• raspy
• clattering
• unpleasant
• dissonant
• noisy
• clanging
• unmusical
• jangling
• harsh
• disagreeable
• cacophonous
• dinning
• clangorous
• inharmonious
• discordant
• unpleasing
• tuneless
• unmelodious
• atonal
• unvocal
• jangly
• sonorous
• off-key
• resounding
• clamorous
• uproarious

Dissimilar Words

• musical
• harmonizing
• melodious
• sweet
• resonant
• melodic
• harmonious
• tuneful
• mellow
• appealing
• mellifluous
• sonorous
• pleasant
• euphonious
• rhythmic
• dulcet
• agreeable
• harmonic
• lyrical
• trilling
• lyric
• tonal
• warbling
• still
• orchestral
• mellifluent
• lilting
• silent
• calm
• symphonic
• chordal
• polyphonic
• quavering
• quiet
• homophonic
• hushed
• noiseless
• soundless
• cadenced
• symphonious

2

as in jagged

Related Words

• jagged
• stabbing
• piercing
• lacerating
• jabbing
• clawlike
• knifelike
• pointed
• spiky
• cutting
• ground
• pointy
• daggerlike
• edged
• trenchant
• sharpened
• honed
• edgy
• keen
• sharp
• stropped
• whetted

Dissimilar Words

• dull
• blunt
• smooth
• rounded
• soft
• obtuse
• dulled
• flat
• blunted
• even
• level
• slick

scratching

2 of 2

verb

present participle of scratch

1

as in scraping

to damage by rubbing against a sharp or rough surface

scratched his arm on a branch

Synonyms & Similar Words

• scraping
• scuffing
• grazing
• bruising
• abrading
• clawing
• barking
• chafing
• cutting
• skinning
• fretting
• lacerating
• galling
• contusing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• polishing
• softening
• smoothing
• waxing

2

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

• scraping
• rubbing
• grinding
• grating
• rasping
• whining
• groaning

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• sliding
• gliding
• skating

3

as in scribbling

to write or draw hastily or carelessly

scratched a quick doodle in the margins

Synonyms & Similar Words

• scribbling
• scrawling
• writing
• squiggling
• doodling
• printing
• jotting (down)
• penning
• inking
• lettering
• penciling
• inscribing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of scratching

Verb

Perhaps that’s just a tactic of a contender behind in the polls and scratching away to be the first Republican to lead California since Arnold Schwarzenegger. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2026

Baking soda’s mild abrasiveness helps scrub away light stains and grime without scratching your toilet bowl’s porcelain. — Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 27 Sep. 2026

In the post, Wouter was pictured wearing a dog cone, which is used to prevent pets from licking, chewing or scratching surgical sites or wounds. — Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

The best snacks have proven staying power, scratching every sweet, salty itch time and time again. — Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026

While most have not dismissed Michelin quite like Lee above, there is quite a bit of head scratching over who was included, who was omitted, and how the ratings were awarded. — Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 20 Sep. 2026

This characteristic can provide significant resistance to scratching and wear in demanding environments. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2026

The waffle-weave construction provides superior cleaning and drying without scratching, complemented by brilliant, beautiful designs. — ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026

So discovering that smokers are less likely to develop a serious neurological impairment that affects millions worldwide has left medical experts scratching their heads. — Mike McRae 10, New Atlas, 10 Sep. 2026