scratches 1 of 2

noun

Definition of scratchesnext
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
1
as in bruises
to damage by rubbing against a sharp or rough surface scratched his arm on a branch

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2
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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3
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
Verb
Gratitude hardly scratches the surface. — Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025 Those were only some of the storylines around the NFL and that just scratches the surface. — Fox News Staff, Fox News, 8 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Scratches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scratches. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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