1
as in to scratch
to damage by rubbing against a sharp or rough surface
scuffed up her shoes by rubbing her feet under the rung of the chair
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to shuffle
to move heavily or clumsily
the miners scuffed past in heavy boots
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of scuff
C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2025
The plastic glides save your wood floors from scratches and scuffs.
—Christopher Murray
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 11 Sep. 2025
Foam block stickers are included to be attached last, so your wall doesn’t get scuffed up.
—Julia Forbes, Wired News, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scuff
Verb
After the game, Yelich showed off the bat, pointing at the scuffs on it.
—C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2025
The plastic glides save your wood floors from scratches and scuffs.
—Christopher Murray
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
This ceremonial ring becomes an in-the-round playing area, and, as the performers enter and exit it, their feet scuff the particles, sending dust up to drift in the light.
—Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 11 Sep. 2025
Foam block stickers are included to be attached last, so your wall doesn’t get scuffed up.
—Julia Forbes, Wired News, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scuff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scuff
Verb
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An old rag leaves behind streaks and lint, and a sponge can be abrasive, scratching the glass surface.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Oct. 2025
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The procedure prevents the cat from being able to extend their claws, and is usually done to prevent them from scratching people, other animals, or furniture.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The Sharks also shuffled their defense pairs for Monday’s practice, with Dmitry Orlov and Mario Ferraro forming the top line, Nick Leddy with Timothy Liljegren, and Sam Dickinson paired with John Klingberg.—
Curtis Pashelka,
Mercury News,
13 Oct. 2025
-
Couples, girlfriends, and wellness aficionados were shuffling from pool to plunge, catching up, sitting close, and enjoying the experience together.—
Victoria Uwumarogie,
Essence,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Almog hears the creak of the trapdoor opening, hushed whispers, approaching footsteps.—
Eli Sharabi,
Time,
1 Oct. 2025
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The town’s departments are squeezed into tight quarters where the floor creaks with each step and thin walls make no conversation truly private.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Cook, stirring occasionally and pressing berries against side of pot, until berries have completely broken down and juices have thickened to jamlike consistency (wooden spoon scraped across bottom should leave clear trail that doesn’t fill in), 10 to 12 minutes.—
Cathy Thomas,
Oc Register,
13 Oct. 2025
-
To remove the pulp from the seeds, use a spoon or butter knife to scrape the pulp, separating it from the seeds, which may be discarded.—
Stephanie Ganz,
Southern Living,
12 Oct. 2025
Verb
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When Empower Field hosted the CONCACAF Nations League final between the United States and Mexico in 2021, the building stomped and shook like a Saturday at College Station, Texas, or Madison, Wis.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
15 Oct. 2025
-
Shortly after, another group of gunmen, without any face coverings, arrived at the site, stomped their feet, and stood in a grid formation.—
Yamiche Alcindor,
NBC news,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Her strong, confident country voice shone through immediately in her performance of this Judds song, with just enough rasp to really give it some edge.—
Andy Swift,
TVLine,
29 Sep. 2025
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Unfortunately, Manchis' heroic deed left the dog with damage to her vocal chords, and her bark has shifted into a low rasp, Zarate added to the outlet.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Things do get more interesting when Mia stumbles upon an improbable house in the middle of the woods, occupied by a witchy old lady (Robin Bartlett).—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
13 Oct. 2025
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With upsets keeping divisional races entertaining, Week 6 offers a chance for several surprise teams to solidify their place among the contenders, and for stumbling powerhouses to stop their slides before things get out of hand.—
J.J. Bailey,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Scuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scuff. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
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