Synonyms for scratch


Grammar : Noun, verb
Spell : skrach
Phonetic Transcription : skrætʃ

Top 10 synonyms for scratch Other synonyms for the word scratch

Définition of scratch

Origin :
  • c.1400, probably a fusion of Middle English scratten and crachen, both meaning "to scratch," both of uncertain origin. Related: Scratched; scratching.
  • Billiards sense of "to hit the cue ball into a pocket" is first recorded 1909 (also, originally, itch), though earlier it meant "a lucky shot" (1850). Meaning "to withdraw (a horse) from a race" is 1865, from notion of scratching name off list of competitors; used in a non-sporting sense of "cancel a plan, etc." from 1680s. To scratch the surface "make only slight progress in penetrating or understanding" is from 1882. To scratch (one's) head as a gesture of perplexity is recorded from 1712.
  • noun small cut or mark
  • verb cut; make a mark on
  • verb cancel
Example sentences :
  • He made of himself but a cock, set for a while on the world's heap to scratch and pick.
  • Extract from : « Weighed and Wanting » by George MacDonald
  • Some scratch a little deeper than those who aren't so skilled or so strong.
  • Extract from : « Dust » by Mr. and Mrs. Haldeman-Julius
  • She could scratch, kick, and bite—and stab too; but for stabbing she wanted a knife.
  • Extract from : « The Secret Agent » by Joseph Conrad
  • He was furious, and began to scratch the thick wooden posts.
  • Extract from : « My Double Life » by Sarah Bernhardt
  • Two horses had been killed under him, and he had not received so much as a scratch.
  • Extract from : « My Double Life » by Sarah Bernhardt
  • He had, and Gholson's hide had turned it without taking a scratch.
  • Extract from : « The Cavalier » by George Washington Cable
  • I can't purr like a cat and scratch at the same time—I wish I could.'
  • Extract from : « A Woman Intervenes » by Robert Barr
  • The countryman this time did scratch his head, while he considered.
  • Extract from : « Great Uncle Hoot-Toot » by Mrs. Molesworth
  • He could hit, and he could hit hard, but he did not care to claw and scratch and bite!
  • Extract from : « Changing Winds » by St. John G. Ervine
  • "I ain't heard the boss say he'd scratch him," said Shanghai.
  • Extract from : « Old Man Curry » by Charles E. (Charles Emmett) Van Loan

Antonyms for scratch

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019