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

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 Valverde would experiment with his images, often by scratching a thin layer of the photographs and adding muted coloring with subtle splashes of vibrant neon paint, though his pieces did not receive critical acclaim until after his death. — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026 Don’t slide heavy or rough objects across countertops to avoid scratching the protective finish. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 8 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scratching

Adjective

The centerpiece of the look was her cutout dress and its plunging neckline adorned with intricate metallic sequin detailing.

— Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2026
Bella Hadid, Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez and Kaia Gerber are a handful of stars that have worn metallic styles in the past, ranging from silver hues to shades of pink.

— Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of metallic

Adjective

In South Africa’s northernmost province, under a cavernous expanse of jagged gray rock, lies a mineral treasure trove that could play a pivotal role in the country’s relationship with global superpowers.

— Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 21 Sep. 2026
The sheer force of the falls, crashing over jagged cliffs, is hypnotic, drawing millions of visitors each year.

— Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of jagged

Verb

On a map, Newfoundland is a vast, asymmetrical island, cloven by bays and inlets, semi-detached to appendages of land deformed by ancient glaciers scraping over it, leaving glacial striations, grooves and gouges on its granite face.

— Paul Theroux, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026
Although most of the Mauritanian men came alone, Sy had sold his land and cars, scraping together $20,000 to bring his wife and their son, now 5.

— Claire Galofaro, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of scraping

Verb

The gesture sets off a chain reaction, as a parade of strangers begins scribbling their own complaints, anxieties and grudges across the same tiles.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of scribbling

Adjective

But about five minutes later, a sharp cracking sound momentarily replaced the shrill squeal of sirens, and the top half of the South Tower imploded, bringing the entire thing down.

— Timothy Townsend, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026
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

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