1
as in metallic
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1
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
2
3
as in scribbling
to write or draw hastily or carelessly
scratched a quick doodle in the margins
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Recent Examples of scratching
Max Dible, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2025
Many see Horton as only just scratching the surface.
—Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025
In some ways, still in charge, and in some ways scratching, scrapping, reaching for — but always just missing out.
—Kate Aurthur, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
For now, we’re left scratching our heads.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2025
After scratching your retail-therapy itch, indulge at one of the many food vendors.
—Greyson Ferguson, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
The Cyclones started the year 5-0 and looked like Big 12 contenders, but injuries and a tough slate have caused Iowa State to go on four-game losing streak, including a head-scratching loss against Colorado.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Nov. 2025
For the first time at a Hyundai factory, such a robot is installing bulky, heavy doors on the assembly line—a notoriously tricky task to perform without scratching the glossy paint or damaging surrounding panels.
—IEEE Spectrum, 5 Nov. 2025
And that’s just scratching the surface.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
The Dallas Cowboys have made some head-scratching moves in 2025 dating back to the preseason, which have both strengthened the interior of the defensive line but also added confusion about the future of the unit.
—Max Dible, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2025
Many see Horton as only just scratching the surface.
—Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025
In some ways, still in charge, and in some ways scratching, scrapping, reaching for — but always just missing out.
—Kate Aurthur, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
For now, we’re left scratching our heads.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2025
After scratching your retail-therapy itch, indulge at one of the many food vendors.
—Greyson Ferguson, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
The Cyclones started the year 5-0 and looked like Big 12 contenders, but injuries and a tough slate have caused Iowa State to go on four-game losing streak, including a head-scratching loss against Colorado.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Nov. 2025
For the first time at a Hyundai factory, such a robot is installing bulky, heavy doors on the assembly line—a notoriously tricky task to perform without scratching the glossy paint or damaging surrounding panels.
—IEEE Spectrum, 5 Nov. 2025
And that’s just scratching the surface.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 31 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scratching
Adjective
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The metallic red and green hues deliver that classic Christmas feel, while the rose gold and gold tones add a bit of sparkle to your daily hydration, and can only be found at Target.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
PEOPLE,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Glassware without a microwave-safe label should not be used, including non-tempered glass, antique or fragile glassware, or glass with metallic trims or decorations.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Rose now realizes the smeared, dark, jagged edges are an abstract human.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
4 Nov. 2025
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All the shadows and jagged angles evoke German Expressionism, distorting Ronnie’s confrontation into something both surreal and terrifyingly recognizable.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Instead of pursuing chances to pitch reboots of Hollywood’s most beloved properties, scraping the bottom of the barrel might afford you more opportunities to make films that truly feel your own.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
7 Nov. 2025
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There’s a lot of concern among professionals across the creative and media industries that generative AI tools are essentially stealing their work by scraping content available on the Internet.—
Diana Lodderhose,
Deadline,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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That also includes light touch on your scalp from brushing your hair, the sensation of rubbing a blanket over your body, or feeling a breeze brush against your skin.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
4 Nov. 2025
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There seemed to be little ambiguity as to the nature of their connection, as Curtis was spotted rubbing the actress' shoulders, and Aniston was later seen with her hand in his hand.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
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One story of the Desert Fathers recounts a sighting of a demon perched on the top of the monastery, busily scribbling down all the faults of the brothers within.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
31 Oct. 2025
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Simon managed to keep scribbling on his yellow legal pad but his handwriting, illegible on a good day, quickly deteriorated into nothing more than chicken scratch.—
Lizz Schumer,
PEOPLE,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Arriving in January, the California Post will be Murdoch’s transplant of his right-leaning tabloid the New York Post, replete with shrill headlines and randy gossip.—
Peter Bart,
Deadline,
11 Sep. 2025
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One option is to simply double down on the existing approach and become shriller.—
Robert G. Eccles,
Forbes.com,
11 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Chalamet invites his Instagram followers to meet him at Regal Times Square to watch the first 30 minutes of Marty Supreme by scrawling the message on his Instagram Story in orange.—
Jennifer Zhan,
Vulture,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Elizabeth Berkley rose to fame playing the uptight Jessie Spano on Saved by the Bell (1989–1993), then shattered her squeaky clean image with a revealing turn in Paul Verhoeven's notorious Showgirls (1995).—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Nov. 2025
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The addition of bisabolol (from chamomile) and antioxidant vitamin E provides extra comfort and protection, so your skin feels clean, balanced, and refreshed (not squeaky or irritated).—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
30 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Scratching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scratching. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025.
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