scratch the/an itch
idiom
chiefly US, informal
: to satisfy a desire or need for something
Sign up for a tour of Asia and scratch the itch to travel.
Examples of scratch the/an itch in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Something for almost everybody The Anno games scratch an itch that no other games do, and based on a few hours with a preview build, Anno 117 seems like a promising entry in that unique tradition.
—
ArsTechnica, 19 May 2025
Don’t: Use Q-Tips You may be tempted to use Q-Tips to scratch an itch or remove earwax.
—Katie Mogg, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Gutekunst couldn’t help but scratch the itch to draft a fifth Georgia defender in the last five drafts.
—Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
For bistro set traditionalists, this one should scratch the itch.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 7 Apr. 2025
The epic travelog features not one boat wreck but two, and enough sirens and seductive island-dwelling nymphs to scratch the itch for a little naughty stuff.
—Gráinne O'Hara Belluomo, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019
Elect for a deep charcoal or blue-black to pack a similar punch in the kitchen without backing the design into a tight corner, and incorporate matte black hardware or soapstone countertops to scratch the itch instead.
—Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2025
After working as a scouting intern with the Baltimore Ravens last year, Jefferson signed with the Chargers hoping to scratch an itch to play that never wavered.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
The best way to combat the urge is to invest in a product that can scratch the itch for you instead—metaphorically.
—Celeste Polanco, Essence, 30 Aug. 2024
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ArsTechnica, 19 May 2025
Don’t: Use Q-Tips You may be tempted to use Q-Tips to scratch an itch or remove earwax.
—Katie Mogg, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Gutekunst couldn’t help but scratch the itch to draft a fifth Georgia defender in the last five drafts.
—Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
For bistro set traditionalists, this one should scratch the itch.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 7 Apr. 2025
The epic travelog features not one boat wreck but two, and enough sirens and seductive island-dwelling nymphs to scratch the itch for a little naughty stuff.
—Gráinne O'Hara Belluomo, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019
Elect for a deep charcoal or blue-black to pack a similar punch in the kitchen without backing the design into a tight corner, and incorporate matte black hardware or soapstone countertops to scratch the itch instead.
—Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2025
After working as a scouting intern with the Baltimore Ravens last year, Jefferson signed with the Chargers hoping to scratch an itch to play that never wavered.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
The best way to combat the urge is to invest in a product that can scratch the itch for you instead—metaphorically.
—Celeste Polanco, Essence, 30 Aug. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Scratch the/an itch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scratch%20the%2Fan%20itch. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
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