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as in hoarse
harsh and dry in sound
her voice was scratchy from a cold
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of scratchy
Passing became scratchy and hopeful rather than considered and precise.
—
Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2026
The most interesting thing about the song might be the scratchy, lo-fi guitar solo half way through, and that only lasts 15 seconds.
—Ben Cardew, Pitchfork, 10 Mar. 2026
Plus, Amazon hasn’t skimped on quality with a largely cotton construction that’s comfortable to wear without feeling scratchy or rigid.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2026
The inside material felt like a fuzzy (not scratchy) blanket that would be so great for travel or lounging around the house.
—Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scratchy
Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2026
The most interesting thing about the song might be the scratchy, lo-fi guitar solo half way through, and that only lasts 15 seconds.
—Ben Cardew, Pitchfork, 10 Mar. 2026
Plus, Amazon hasn’t skimped on quality with a largely cotton construction that’s comfortable to wear without feeling scratchy or rigid.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2026
The inside material felt like a fuzzy (not scratchy) blanket that would be so great for travel or lounging around the house.
—Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scratchy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scratchy
Adjective
-
But the storms that lash the unpeopled coasts and jagged mountains of our Fiftieth State are no respecters of men, even the best of us.—
Ben East,
Outdoor Life,
14 May 2026
-
From the beginning, the Palisades, with its Mediterranean climate and jagged coastline, lured the most adventurous of settlers, each generation reshaping it in its own image.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
Driver recovery can automate what used to be an irritating manual process.—
Andrew Cunningham,
ArsTechnica,
13 May 2026
-
No-see-um bites may be painful and irritating.—
Eva Flowe
May 8,
Charlotte Observer,
8 May 2026
Adjective
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His usually peppy voice is hoarse.—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
26 Apr. 2026
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James’ reasoning had nothing to do with having a hoarse voice at the end of practice.—
Mark Medina,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Kelly lost her dad in October and, along with her mom and siblings, has been navigating the often-thorny questions around what to do with old financial records, collectibles, and beloved items.—
Maggie McGrath,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
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Other potentially thorny negotiations are ahead, including the agreement with LA28 about reimbursement to the city for enhanced resources, such as the costs incurred for extra police, sanitation and other city services needed for the Olympics.—
The Editorial Board,
Daily News,
20 May 2026
Adjective
-
Her ex, Karl (Jake Johnson, impressively devoid of his signature gruff charm), wants to move their adorable daughter, Hazel (Nola Wallace), from New York to Boise with his new partner, Mallory (Jessy Hodges), a polished grown-up who makes the bohemian Paula feel like a mess.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
20 May 2026
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But the grizzled former Man in Black and man-who-failed-to-ground-Maverick isn’t known for playing the type of gruff ol’ cowpoke who’s about to break into song.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
14 May 2026
Adjective
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There were bladderpods just starting to put out yellow flowers, prickly Shaw agaves beside bright yellow-orange poppies, Western redbuds with round leaves, wild marigolds, clumps of Mexican rush and Howard McMinn manzanita, as well as sunset manzanita and dozens more.—
Caron Golden,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 May 2026
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Cannes is meant to launch ambitious, prickly works by grandmasters and next-generation talents.—
Joshua Rothkopf,
Los Angeles Times,
22 May 2026
Adjective
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The 5-year-old husky mix is a regular at Spot's Place in Regina, Saskatchewan, usually attending Monday through Friday.—
Kendall Malinchock,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2026
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In juvenile court Monday, as the teenager with a husky build and beard sat at the defendant’s table, Judge Christopher Van Meir ruled that the teen would remain in custody at least until the next court hearing, scheduled for April 27.—
Julia Prodis Sulek,
Mercury News,
14 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Scratchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scratchy. Accessed 25 May. 2026.
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