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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
It’s rightfully associated with fiber, but often wrongly assumed to be as scratchy as twine.
—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
The Best Deals at the Quince Sale If your current towels are limp, scratchy, or just plain uninspired, Quince’s Turkish Classic Bath towels are an instant bathroom upgrade.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 25 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for scratchy
The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
The Best Deals at the Quince Sale If your current towels are limp, scratchy, or just plain uninspired, Quince’s Turkish Classic Bath towels are an instant bathroom upgrade.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 25 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for scratchy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scratchy
Adjective
-
As the sky darkened, the jagged ridgeline of the mountains behind us grew sharp and pronounced.—
Megan Spurrell,
Condé Nast Traveler,
8 June 2026
-
At Palisades State Park, striking red-pink Sioux quartzite cliffs jut up to 50 feet above Split Rock Creek, their jagged faces almost glowing against a backdrop of bucolic farmland.—
Taryn Shorr-Mckee,
Midwest Living,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
More importantly, chemical fumes can become stronger and more irritating when heated, posing risks if your garage is connected to the house.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 June 2026
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Again, this is very Yellowstone for Rip to have an excessively violent response to an irritating obstacle.—
Noel Murray,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
During the debate, Joe Biden frequently lost his train of thought, stumbled over answers, and appeared hoarse, fueling concerns among voters and party leaders.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
31 May 2026
-
Signs include panting, a hoarse bark, scuffing or dragging their toes along the ground, and sometimes regurgitation or swallowing problems.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 May 2026
Adjective
-
While almost all parents reported their children were comfortable with their racial identity, navigating around thorny issues was needed.—
Geoffrey Greif,
Baltimore Sun,
11 June 2026
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Second, deregulation has saved American businesses nearly $1 trillion by cutting costs from thorny and expensive rules.—
Stephen Moore,
Boston Herald,
10 June 2026
Adjective
-
Platner, a gruff 41-year-old Marine Corps veteran, is trying to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins with a platform of economic populism, universal health care, labor protections, and anti-interventionism.—
Elizabeth Bruenig,
The Atlantic,
4 June 2026
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With his gruff voice, beard and sweatshirts-instead-of-suits, Platner cuts the figure of a blue-collar Mainer.—
Caroline McCaughey,
Boston Herald,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
The landscape views are breathtaking since the terrain is so hilly and rocky (as opposed to the flat terrain of the savannah) and covered in Lebombo euphorbia, a cactus-like tree with a single trunk and an entire canopy of prickly, upright branches.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
-
Plant it near tomatoes, squash and strawberries—its prickly leaves deter insect pests.—
Barbara Gillette,
The Spruce,
26 May 2026
Adjective
-
Known for a unique approach to improvisation and his warm, husky voice, Ulmer settled into a niche of his own in the late Seventies and early Eighties.—
Kory Grow,
Rolling Stone,
9 June 2026
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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
Cite this Entry
“Scratchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scratchy. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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