scratch Synonyms
Another word for scratch
• noun (Context 1)
A mark or shallow wound made on a surface or the skin by something sharp or rough.
"There was a noticeable scrape on the side door of the new car."
• verb (Context 2)
To score or mark a surface, or tear the skin, with something sharp, jagged, or rough.
"Be careful not to scrape the hardwood floor when moving the heavy bookcase."
• verb (Context 3)
To rub the skin with the fingernails or claws in order to relieve itching.
"The doctor advised the patient not to rub the rash, as doing so could cause an infection."
• noun (Context 4)
The starting point or a state of having nothing at the beginning of a project or endeavor (chiefly used in the phrase 'from scratch').
"After the computer crashed, the software engineer had to rebuild the database from square one."
• noun (Context 5)
An act of rubbing the skin with the fingernails to relieve an itch, or a rasping sound produced by scraping.
"The dog rolled over onto its back, hoping for a gentle belly rub."
• verb (Context 6)
To cancel, strike out, or withdraw a plan, entry, or competitor from a list or competition.
"We had to cancel our plans for a weekend picnic because of the approaching storm."
• verb (Context 7)
To make a living or gather something with great difficulty or effort.
"Early settlers had to eke out a meager living from the rocky, arid soil."
• adjective (Context 8)
Prepared from basic, raw ingredients rather than a pre-packaged mix.
"The bakery is famous across the county for its homemade biscuits and pies."
• adjective (Context 9)
Assembled or made from whatever is available at short notice; impromptu.
"The neighborhood kids organized a pickup game of baseball in the empty lot."
• verb (Context 10)
To commit a foul in pool or billiards, such as by driving the cue ball into a pocket.
"He was one shot away from winning the frame, but he accidentally scratched on the eight ball."
• adjective (Context 11)
Having no handicap or allowance in a game or competition, especially golf.
"After years of dedicated practice, she finally became a unhandicapped golfer."
• noun (Context 12)
A competitor or horse withdrawn from a race or contest before it begins, or a foul shot in billiards and pool.
"The favored thoroughbred was a late withdrawal from the derby due to a minor ankle sprain."
• noun (Context 13)
Money or cash (slang).
"He worked overtime all summer to save up enough cash for a down payment on a motorcycle."
Opposites of scratch
The opposite of scratch shifts depending on context. Common opposites include: