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

Test the plant’s health by lightly scratching the woody stems—healthy tissue beneath the bark will typically look green.

— Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 9 Oct. 2026
Well, then the sound of television writer Joe Wiseman clearing his throat over and over again might as well be Gilbert Gottfried’s laugh scratching against a chalkboard.

— Whitney Friedlander, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of scratching

Verb

Green tea was served by gang members shuffling around in slippers.

— Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Ivey and his partner persuaded the Crockfords dealer to rotate the high-value cards 180 degrees before shuffling them back into the pack, citing some obscure superstition as justification.

— Kit Chellel, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of shuffling

Verb

Big banks made changes to overdraft fees and fraud protections following previous testimony, for example, while former Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf abruptly resigned in 2016 after stumbling during hearings on the bank’s fake accounts scandal.

— Reuters, NBC news, 13 Oct. 2026
In an era of geotags and influencers, there’s something deeply satisfying about stumbling upon a place that still feels like a secret.

— Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 12 Oct. 2026