SCRATCHING Synonyms: 149 Similar and Opposite Words

scratching 1 of 2

adjective

as in metallic

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

as in jagged

Related Words

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

Well, then the sound of television writer Joe Wiseman clearing his throat over and over again might as well be Gilbert Gottfried’s laugh scratching against a chalkboard. — Whitney Friedlander, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026 That tale of two vaccines has experts scratching their heads. — Amanda Erickson, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026 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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scratching

Adjective

The sandal was made unique with knotted strap and gold metallic orb details.

— Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026
Both peripherals have a dual-tone white-and-metallic-silver color scheme.

— Michael Justin Allen Sexton, PC Magazine, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of metallic

Adjective

These edges can therefore appear jagged or stair-stepped, an effect called aliasing.

— Aman Kumar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Sep. 2026
Video filmed by Tubasi’s son and shared with CNN shows debris scattered on the floor, doors and appliances smashed and walls left with large, jagged holes.

— Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of jagged

Verb

The bigger claim making the rounds, that a few minutes of face rubbing can quiet your body’s stress response, is where dermatologists urge a little caution.

— Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026
In this case, there’s no swiping or rubbing at all—just let the pads sit and soak in for a few minutes before gently patting in the excess.

— Jenny Jin, Glamour, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of rubbing

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

With a soprano voice that’s sharp but never shrill, O’Donovan can levitate a heartfelt melody over just about any kind of accompaniment.

— Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026
When Caleb Hammer, a thirty-one-year-old personal-finance YouTuber, gets particularly exasperated, his voice enters a shrill upper register.

— Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of shrill

Verb

Now the former child phenom is accused of picking up a permanent marker and scrawling antisemitic graffiti on Southern California homes, according to authorities.

— Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
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