SCUFFING Synonyms: 67 Similar and Opposite Words

scuffing

verb

present participle of scuff

as in scratching

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

as in shuffling

to move heavily or clumsily the miners scuffed past in heavy boots

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 scuffing Bootleg’s production deepens the sense of mystery, cranking the reverb and scuffing the surfaces. — Jude Noel, Pitchfork, 22 July 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 Valverde also had a decent chance in August away at Oviedo, when running through on goal on the break and scuffing a shot against the outside of the post. — Michael Cox, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2026 The slate coasters feature little pads to keep the smooth, rock material from scuffing your table. — Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Nov. 2025 Remove shoes while in the house to avoid scuffing up baseboards and floors. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2025 Keep shoes in separate bags Avoid scuffing trainers or damaging heels in your suitcase by packing them in shoe bags. — Lauren Burvill, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Oct. 2023

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scuffing

Verb

The selloff in exchange stocks has execs in Chicago and New York scratching their heads, according to on and off-the-record conversations with executives.

— Oliver Renick, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026
John DeBacker The kitten was surprised and tried to put up a fight, meowing, scratching and trying to get loose before DeBacker put it in a crate.

— Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of scratching

Verb

Summary The Chicago Cubs are currently shuffling their infield due to Dansby Swanson's oblique injury, moving Nico Hoerner to shortstop and Pedro Ramírez to second base.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Keeping your eye on Bredeson is as hard as tracking a ball beneath shuffling cups.

— Alec Lewis, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of shuffling

Verb

According to the waiter, even a request as simple as removing cheese from a burger might result in the kitchen scraping it off rather than preparing an entirely new burger.

— Meena Thiruvengadam, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2026
With the sprightly energy of a schoolboy, Jean-Paul Doron bounds into an empty creek, his red suede shoes scraping pale rocks.

— Dominique Soguel, Christian Science Monitor, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of scraping

Verb

Nothing that would actually stop a person, a child, a wheelchair or a stumbling drunk from going straight into the water.

— Joseph V. Sakran, Baltimore Sun, 15 Aug. 2026
Such a contrast to the wonderful Bootham Crescent, York’s home until 2020 and within stumbling distance of not only the famous Minster but all the city’s many other attractions.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026