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

The poor offensive production spoiled a night when the Angels got good enough pitching, despite scratching Soriano. — Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 2 Aug. 2026

The Los Angeles Angels, by contrast, took a different approach on Saturday by scratching starter José Soriano. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 2 Aug. 2026

The Tigers took a precautionary measure today with another of their trade candidates, right-hander Casey Mize, scratching him from his start and going with a bullpen game instead. — Jayson Stark, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026

Her dog barked, and Vera went to say hello, scratching the mutt between the ears. — Eric Boodman, STAT, 31 July 2026

The author, in her latest video on the falling-out with people on the project, hinted at a painful ordeal that unfolded on set, leaving fans scratching their heads and wondering what exactly happened and who was involved. — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026

There are many ways to safely calm an itchy bug bite without scratching. — Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 29 July 2026

Instagram user lucky_charmedcourt posted a series of six videos earlier this week chronicling a woman with an apparent skin condition scratching her foot. — Perri Ormont Blumberg, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2026

Abrasive materials or cleaners, like steel wool and scouring pads, could risk damaging or scratching the glass and should also be avoided. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 25 July 2026