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Definition of scrawl

scrawl

/skrɔːl/
scrawl
Plural:scrawls
•
Adjective:scrawly
•
Past Simple:scrawled
•
Past Participle:scrawled
•
Present Participle:scrawling
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scrawl Lexical Profile

scrawl Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Careless, hurried, or nearly illegible handwriting; a hastily written note or piece of text.

Example

"The pharmacist spent several minutes deciphering the doctor's hurried scrawl on the prescription pad."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• verb

1

To write or draw something in a hurried, careless, or awkward manner.

Example

"She quickly scrawled her phone number on the back of a receipt before catching the train."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for scrawl
Antonyms
View all antonyms for scrawl

• Rhymes for scrawl

• Nearby Words

scratchpad
scratchproof
scratchy
scrawl
scrawnily
scrawniness
scrawny

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the late 16th century in the sense of writing carelessly, likely developed as a blend or alteration of Middle English 'scrawlen' (to sprawl or crawl) and 'scroll'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Scrawl. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/scrawl
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