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

For all the talk of playing small-ball in the postseason and scratching for every productive out, power-hitting is actually one of the most significant separators for pennant winners. — Neil Paine, New York Times, 16 July 2026

While scratching his head on Citi’s Copilot take, Jim found the analysts’ commentary around Azure reassuring. — Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 15 July 2026

Dishwasher Tablet Use a damp dishwasher tablet (not a pod) to scrub away grease from the inside of your glass oven door without scratching. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 11 July 2026

That pair of stainless steel bowls has been sliding across your kitchen floor for years — collecting dust underneath, scratching hardwood, and sitting in plain sight of every guest who walks in. — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2026

The stones are light and porous but surprisingly effective at removing stains without scratching delicate porcelain surfaces like toilets, bathtubs, sinks, and more, thanks to their gentle yet abrasive material. — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 6 July 2026

In a game not known for high scores, the pace of goals in this World Cup has left some fans scratching their heads. — Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026

In April, when Rojas got news that his father had been rushed to the hospital, Roberts quickly took the decision on whether to play out of Rojas’ hands, scratching him from the lineup. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026

Use pantry staples like vinegar and baking soda to safely clean water marks without scratching the glass. — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 27 June 2026