scribbling

verb

present participle of scribble
1
as in scrawling
to write or draw hastily or carelessly she scribbled a quick note on the pad by the door before leaving

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in writing
to compose and set down on paper the words of he scribbled a quick note to his wife and taped it to the front door

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 scribbling 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, 29 July 2026 This group – which included women with graying hair and comfortable OnCloud running shoes, a doctoral student scribbling in a tiny notebook and men wearing office casual chinos – were talking death over tea and vegan strawberry cookies in a gathering commonly called a Death Cafe. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 1 May 2026 As anachronisms constantly threaten to puncture the illusion, the cast stays wry, nimble and self-conscious in order to locate plot points and jokes that reinforce the golden-age radio setting, scribbling notes and introducing characters that propel them through ludicrous narrative arcs. — John Wenzel, Denver Post, 23 Apr. 2026 The trilogy concluded on April 1 with Fagen scribbling an inscrutable equation on the car window until, again, taking a break to consult an invisible timepiece on his wrist. — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2026 The customs officer began speaking to me very fast and pointing—the translator scribbling down notes all the while. — Jeremy O. Harris, Vanity Fair, 1 Apr. 2026 By then, a New York Tribune reporter had arrived and was furiously scribbling into his notepad. — Charlotte Brooks, Big Think, 13 Mar. 2026 That means no reporters scribbling down who’s canoodling with whom at the bar. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 11 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scribbling
  1. scrawling
  2. writing
  3. scratching
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
Definition of scrawling
Verb
  • Additionally, writing longer, more detailed descriptions of concerns (over 100 words) significantly increased response rates.
    — Paul Hsieh, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Dunham is adapting the script with Jessica Huang, while Jepsen is writing the music and lyrics with Ethan Gruska.
    — Jessica Barrett, Vogue, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of writing
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
Definition of scratching

Browse Nearby Words

scribbles
scribbling
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Cite this Entry

“Scribbling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scribbling. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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