1
as in metallic
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
1
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
2
3
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
Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 6 Jan. 2026
That pollen can fill the air, covers cars and cement, and can start noses running, eyes watering and throats scratching.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 5 Jan. 2026
Cleaning stainless steel requires a soft cloth or sponge to reduce any chances of scratching or altering the finish.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2026
The American people this morning, George, are scratching their heads in wonderment and in fear of what the president has proposed.
—ABC News, 4 Jan. 2026
While the bill analysis cited data that reflects some support among cat owners for declawing cats to keep them from scratching, advocates for the bill said declawing cats is inhumane and painful for cats when done solely for the convenience of the pet’s owner.
—Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 3 Jan. 2026
But here are our choices of the most meme-orable, eye-rolling, jaw-dropping and head-scratching moments of the year.
—Will Barker, TheWeek, 30 Dec. 2025
The stainless-steel exterior offers a sleek look that is resistant to scratching, discoloration and rust.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 29 Dec. 2025
The Dallas Cowboys have made some head-scratching moves in 2025 dating back to the preseason, which have both strengthened the interior of the defensive line but also added confusion about the future of the unit.
—Max Dible, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2025
Verb
The best vacuums for hardwood floors have a powerful cleaning performance without scratching or causing damage.
—Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 6 Jan. 2026
That pollen can fill the air, covers cars and cement, and can start noses running, eyes watering and throats scratching.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 5 Jan. 2026
Cleaning stainless steel requires a soft cloth or sponge to reduce any chances of scratching or altering the finish.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2026
The American people this morning, George, are scratching their heads in wonderment and in fear of what the president has proposed.
—ABC News, 4 Jan. 2026
While the bill analysis cited data that reflects some support among cat owners for declawing cats to keep them from scratching, advocates for the bill said declawing cats is inhumane and painful for cats when done solely for the convenience of the pet’s owner.
—Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 3 Jan. 2026
But here are our choices of the most meme-orable, eye-rolling, jaw-dropping and head-scratching moments of the year.
—Will Barker, TheWeek, 30 Dec. 2025
The stainless-steel exterior offers a sleek look that is resistant to scratching, discoloration and rust.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 29 Dec. 2025
The Dallas Cowboys have made some head-scratching moves in 2025 dating back to the preseason, which have both strengthened the interior of the defensive line but also added confusion about the future of the unit.
—Max Dible, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scratching
Adjective
-
The actress donned a slinky metallic shift dress in her latest Instagram post in partnership with the skincare brand Shiseido.—
Emma Banks,
InStyle,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Red flags included bitterness or any metallic notes the beans may have picked up during processing.—
Sam Stone,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Similarly, George Crumb’s 1970 Black Angels, composed in response to the Vietnam War, includes jagged marks that approximate the sound of helicopters.—
Olivia Giovetti,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Giles Deacon blue and green jagged stripe) as a base option.—
Stephanie Sporn,
Vogue,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
After scraping and analyzing the potion, researchers confirmed beyond a doubt that the medicinal vial contained fecal matter, turning theory into historical fact.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
31 Jan. 2026
-
This helps loosen ice before scraping and reduces the risk of damaging the glass, according to AAA Texas.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Rothblatt said, sarcastically, as Fakroune sat at the defense table rubbing his temples.—
Jason Meisner,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Combined with the swiveling dining table, the setup allows several digital nomads to comfortably clack away on their keyboards at the same time – no banging elbows or rubbing knees.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Quatisha Maycock, 5, had just learned how to write her name and practiced scribbling it every day up until she was thrown into the Everglades and left to be eaten by alligators.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
26 Jan. 2026
-
No more scribbling names on napkins and losing them later.—
Noel Burgess,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
There’s a straight line between the criminal investigation of Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell and increasingly shrill threats to seize Greenland.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
21 Jan. 2026
-
With sports gambling legalized throughout much of the country and growing rapidly, the NCAA and the sports gambling industry should be hearing shrill alarm bells in this indictment and acting accordingly.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The act of scrawling them upon the page is tangible and pleasing.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Nov. 2025
-
Chalamet invites his Instagram followers to meet him at Regal Times Square to watch the first 30 minutes of Marty Supreme by scrawling the message on his Instagram Story in orange.—
Jennifer Zhan,
Vulture,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Jinn notes that this supereffective cleansing oil rinses completely clean, leaving skin soft rather than squeaky.—
Iman Balagam,
Vogue,
6 Jan. 2026
-
The squeaky wheel definitely gets the grease today.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
2 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Scratching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scratching. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
