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

The Senators’ most head-scratching trade of the summer, acquiring him for a 2027 sixth-round pick, has proved fruitless. — Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2026 State inspections also cited other pests (roaches and flies), as well as staff hygiene issues, including one employee seen scratching their nose then handling clean utensils. — Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026 DuPont's materials are used both outside the plane cabin , such as in the engine to protect against heat and add durability, and within the cabin to make surfaces resistant to scratching and easy to clean. — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2026 There were head-scratching coaching mistakes, including attempting a 58-yard field goal against the wind. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026 Lee is forever grunting and scratching and clearing his throat. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026 People are advised to watch for signs of rodent activity including droppings, gnaw marks, scratching or scurrying sounds and rub marks along baseboards or around entry points. — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado updated October 21, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026 Test the plant’s health by lightly scratching the woody stems—healthy tissue beneath the bark will typically look green. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 9 Oct. 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scratching

Adjective

Once again, the star added some boldly reflective tones to the look, wearing a pair of Le Silla Bella pewter metallic pumps.

— Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2026
Non-metallic shells insulate metallic components, conductive feet provide grounding, and automatic cutoffs monitor temperature.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of metallic

Adjective

John Homme sings at the jagged, forlorn beginning of the ninth Queens of the Stone Age album.

— Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2026
As with his previous films, Iñárritu tells his story using scenes out of order so that the pieces fall together in a jagged form that heightens the tension.

— Ray Bennett, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of jagged

Verb

Oh, and a pad from an HTC Vive, because nobody wants the sharp edges of layered plastic extruded from a 3D printer rubbing against their face.

— Tim Stevens, ArsTechnica, 19 Oct. 2026
Some of the more envelope-pushing moments, including an extended scene of nuns ripping off their habits and rubbing themselves on a life-sized crucifix, were in the script.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of rubbing

Verb

His father, Bongo, recorded with artists on Houston label Swishahouse, while Toliver began scribbling rhymes in school notebooks and making rudimentary recordings through a PlayStation microphone.

— Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of scribbling

Adjective

That loon’s shrill call, this rock’s marbled face, and the walleye wriggling several feet below are what’s at home here; the paddler, just a visitor.

— Story Hinckley, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Oct. 2026
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

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