scrap 1 of 4

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as in remainder
an unused or unwanted piece or item typically of small size or value only a scrap of silk was left on the sewing table after they had finished the project

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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scrap

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noun (2)

scrap

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verb (1)

scrap

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verb (2)

Synonym Chooser

How is the word scrap different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of scrap are cast, discard, junk, shed, and slough. While all these words mean "to get rid of," scrap and junk imply throwing away or breaking up as worthless in existent form.

scrap all the old ways
would junk our educational system

When can cast be used instead of scrap?

In some situations, the words cast and scrap are roughly equivalent. However, cast, especially when used with off, away, or out, implies a forceful rejection or repudiation.

cast off her friends

When could discard be used to replace scrap?

While the synonyms discard and scrap are close in meaning, discard implies the letting go or throwing away of something that has become useless or superfluous though often not intrinsically valueless.

discard old clothes

How are the words shed and slough related as synonyms of scrap?

Shed and slough imply a throwing off of something both useless and encumbering and often suggest a consequent renewal of vitality or luster.

shed a bad habit
finally sloughed off the depression

Examples 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 scrap
Noun
Joe is driven by a cognitive-dissonant belief in her Sisyphean post — ever maintaining the upper hand to protect the scraps of the American Dream that cradle her family inside America’s borders. Andy Andersen, Vulture, 17 Nov. 2024 One tester loved it for working outside through the winter, building trails, operating heavy machinery, and using hand tools—all tasks that can turn a puffy jacket into scrap with remarkable speed. Abigail Barronian, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
Verb
Related article Deion Sanders honors 100-year-old Colorado Buffaloes superfan with ‘Peggy’ apparel line With the Big Ten and SEC currently gobbling up eight of the 12 berths in the CFP bracket, the rest of college football is left scrapping over the remaining four slots. Kevin Dotson, CNN, 19 Nov. 2024 The rookie-sophomore game was scrapped a few years ago for the Rising Stars tournament, in which the top first- and second-year players are divided into four teams. Tim Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 16 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for scrap 

Thesaurus Entries Near scrap

Cite this Entry

“Scrap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrap. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

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