SCRATCHES Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

scratches 1 of 2

noun

plural of scratch

as in scrapes

a harsh grating sound the scratch of metal on metal is not a good sound for a car to make

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scratches

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of scratch

as in bruises

to damage by rubbing against a sharp or rough surface scratched his arm on a branch

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in rubs

to pass roughly and noisily over or against a surface the branches of the willow tree scratch against the windowpane whenever the wind blows

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in scribbles

to write or draw hastily or carelessly scratched a quick doodle in the margins

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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 scratches

Noun

For scratches or minor dings from fender benders, owners can replace the exterior body panels themselves. — Eric Bangeman, ArsTechnica, 20 Oct. 2026 Not only was there the initial flare-up, but now there were huge red scratches and hives. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026 Yes, because it’s made of durable Gorilla Glass to prevent scuffs and scratches. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2026 According to the warrant affidavit, Flagge said the girl appeared fine but had some scratches on her. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026 Rabies is a nearly 100% fatal zoonotic virus spread by bites, scratches and oral secretions (saliva) from infected animals. — Eva Flowe october 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 Oct. 2026 While melamine sponges are certainly effective cleaning tools, they are also considered an abrasive material and can leave fine scratches all across your stainless steel appliances. — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 28 Sep. 2026 Storing knives loose in a drawer and scrubbing them too zealously creates a fine network of scratches, further dulling the finish. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2026 Vernon works directly into wax with scalpels and other implements, allowing scratches, fingerprints, and cuts to survive their translation into metal. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026

Verb

Washing bites or scratches immediately with soap and water after possible rabies exposure. — Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 11 Sep. 2026 The agency also advises people to wash any bites or scratches right away with soap and water. — Aria Bendix, NBC news, 10 Sep. 2026 Culturally, college football scratches the human itch for tribalism, which America’s ethos of individualism fortunately discourages. — George F. Will, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026 The brand’s Krossa desk scratches the itch for office furniture that isn’t sterile or corporate-looking. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026 At the start of each summer season, the mayor takes an inaugural swim at a local beach, though Tom’s outing gets spooky when a potentially supernatural being scratches him out in the water. — Nicholas Derenzo, Travel + Leisure, 25 Aug. 2026 Health officials say people can prevent rabies by keeping bats out of homes, vaccinating their pets and washing bites or scratches with soap and water before seeking medical help. — Nicholas Lentz, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026 But as his guitar scratches away at Stewart’s velvet synths and glances off Mitchell’s drums, sing Reilly does. — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026 Preparing for a college football Saturday with ACC Network scratches the same gameplanning itch for Fisher that used to take up his time during his more than three decades as a coach. — David Ubben, New York Times, 17 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scratches

Noun

The Missouri researcher has captured and analyzed hundreds of thousands of trail-camera images over the years, with many of the best shots coming at scrapes doctored with a variety of scents and lures.

— Michael Hanback, Outdoor Life, 14 Oct. 2026
Memory is not so much a flow, sometimes, as a series of bumps and scrapes.

— Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of scrapes

Verb

Vapor rubs containing combinations of camphor, eucalyptus and menthol oils may provide some relief for nighttime cough and cold symptoms when applied to the chest and neck.

— Andee Tagle, NPR, 15 Oct. 2026
There’s a slickness to the carnage that rubs uncomfortably against the film’s humanist ethos, rendering artificial (for all Shen Teng’s trembling and mouth-contorting labors) the horrific tragedies that befall its characters.

— Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of rubs

Verb

But when Ava makes a bathroom trip, Deb hastily scribbles something in her notepad.

— Judy Berman, Time, 29 May 2026
More tournaments to come While Yount has developed a near-superpower of watching 12 mats at once, Smith, for the most part, relaxes in his seat and enjoys the show at Ball Arena while Yount scribbles on his brackets.

— Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 21 Feb. 2026

Definition of scribbles

Noun

Dillon put together another great week of work, falling forward, finding creaks of daylight in the gaps created by a less-than-ideal second-team offensive line.

— Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 21 Aug. 2026
The durable metal is also rust-resistant, and reviews say that despite its metal frame, creaks and squeaks are minimal.

— Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 16 July 2026