scratches 1 of 2

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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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 scratches
Verb
The truth is, what many agency professionals understand about how to execute a successful partner marketing campaign only scratches the surface of its real potential—and some of it might be based on outright misconceptions. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024 Though none of that even scratches the surface of all the Jets’ confounding mental errors on Sunday. Zack Rosenblatt, The Athletic, 22 Dec. 2024 However, Western recognition only scratches the surface of what’s coming together on the continent. Rahel Aklilu, Billboard, 19 Dec. 2024 This year’s edition marks the event’s 10th anniversary, yet Fat Bear Week merely scratches the surface of ways to enjoy the region’s four-legged giants. Stephanie Vermillion, USA TODAY, 19 Oct. 2024 The blood is procured when a stray kitten scratches her, becoming her familiar—the witch and the childless cat lady are one and the same. Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2024 Email, of course, just scratches the surface. Cheryl Ragland, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024 But that just scratches the surface, especially for the fashion business. Adriana Lee, WWD, 30 Sep. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Scratches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scratches. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

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