SCRATCHING Synonyms: 149 Similar and Opposite Words

scratching 1 of 2

adjective

as in metallic

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Dissimilar Words

as in jagged

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Dissimilar Words

scratching

2 of 2

verb

present participle of scratch

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

as in rubbing

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Verb

Its uniquely wide view will also help scientists decode the intricacies of dark matter and dark energy while perhaps clearing up some contradictions about our universe that scientists have been scratching their heads over for decades. — Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 30 Aug. 2026 Use non-abrasive cleaners and tools to avoid scratching the glass surface. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2026 While extreme flooding has happened in the area in the past, Thursday's scene certainly left many residents scratching their heads. — Andrew Ramos, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026 His Gators soon proved it with head-scratching penalties and poor decisions. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026 Google says the resulting material is stronger than glass and is more resistant to scratching. — Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026 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 Officials said the bear swiped at the man, scratching his arm, and that the man went on to injure his foot after tripping while trying to escape. — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026 Most on this roster aren’t established major leaguers, but players scratching and clawing for staying power. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scratching

Adjective

To get a better understanding of who this individual was, researchers have spent the past few years conducting a detailed analysis of the remains’ DNA and isotopes, and the chemical properties of the metallic artefacts and the decorative band.

— Mike McRae August 25, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026
The embellished number was covered in chains and grommets in a mix of metallic finishes.

— Kelsey Stiegman, InStyle, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of metallic

Adjective

Ragged, jagged or fluffy edges point to a Bristol Type 6 stool, meaning waste moved through the colon too fast for water to be absorbed properly.

— Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Nepal is a country of jagged, towering peaks with sheer slopes sweeping down to narrow valleys, cut through by powerful rivers.

— Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of jagged

Verb

Burger King has 286 locations in Ohio, according to the data-scraping website ScrapeHero.

— Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 28 Aug. 2026
Step 3 Reduce mixer speed to low and, with motor running, gradually add dry ingredients to butter mixture; beat, stopping and scraping down sides and bottom of bowl as needed, until just combined.

— Rick Martinez, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of scraping

Verb

Rubbing Alcohol Head to the drug store for a bottle of 70% isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol to clean windows.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 29 Aug. 2026
The redyed fabrics showed uniform color uptake and washing and rubbing fastness comparable to the reference fabric, according to the study.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of rubbing

Verb

With the bulk of his work at practice done for the day, Achord retreats to the back of the end zone with Koonz, squatting and scribbling something on paper.

— Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Jack McGrail and Aiyana Da’Briel, staff leaders for the SoLa Live Accelerator program behind the event, seemed to be everywhere at once, passing out wristbands and scribbling on clipboards.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

Definition of scribbling

Adjective

Amid the rumblings of construction at nearby David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, the sound of a shrill whistle and chopping feet at the nearby Murfin Family Practice Fields signaled one thing.

— Christian Marshall, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026
That trademark indecision of summer takes root in her words and spreads through the music until her vocals diverge in the chorus, peeling like a clementine’s skin as one shrill line scales upward and the other remains monotone.

— Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 21 July 2026

Definition of shrill

Verb

Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian villages in the occupied West Bank early Sunday, setting fire to two mosques and scrawling graffiti on buildings, Palestinian officials said.

— Reuters, NBC news, 27 July 2026
The elder statesman Hall scrawling his signature on the Declaration was in doubt in the run-up to the first Independence Day.

— Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 30 June 2026