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scratch

scratch

 
 
pronunciation:
skraech
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb, noun, adjective
phrases:
from scratch
features:
Word Combinations (verb, noun), Word Explorer
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: scratches, scratching, scratched
definition 1: to mark or damage the surface of by scraping with or against something sharp.
The boy scratched the surface of the desk with his scissors.Parking too close to the fence, she scratched the paint on her car.
synonyms:
abrade, rasp, scrape
similar words:
carve, cut, etch, furrow, gash, gouge, graze, groove, lacerate, man, mar, mark, nick, score, scuff, skin, slash, slice, striate
definition 2: (of something sharp) to mark or damage the surface of.
The branches scratched the car as it made its way through the woods.
definition 3: to scrape or dig at with the nails or claws.
I scratched the mosquito bite on my arm.The cat scratched the living room carpet.
synonyms:
itch
similar words:
chafe, claw, gouge, rub, scrabble, scrape, slash
definition 4: to cancel (something written) by drawing a line through or scribbling over (often fol. by "out").
synonyms:
cross out, delete, expunge
similar words:
cancel, cut, edit out, erase, excise, omit, rub out
definition 5: to withdraw (an entry) from a competition or race.
similar words:
cancel, default, disqualify, eliminate, nullify, rule out, scotch, withdraw
definition 6: to write or draw hastily or illegibly; scrawl.
The doctor scratched out a prescription.
synonyms:
scrawl, scribble
similar words:
doodle
definition 7: to make barely enough for (a living) (usu. fol. by "out").
Somehow he scratched out a living selling pencils.
synonyms:
eke out
similar words:
carve, garner, glean, scrape together
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition 1: to use the nails or claws to dig, scrape, or tear.
synonyms:
claw
similar words:
dig, gouge, scrabble, scrape, slash, tear
definition 2: to attempt to relieve itching by scraping one's skin.
synonyms:
itch
similar words:
rub
definition 3: to succeed only with difficulty; earn or save barely enough to live (often fol. by "by").
She was laid off for a few months, but somehow she scratched by.
synonyms:
make do, scrape by, squeak by
similar words:
manage, survive
definition 4: to withdraw or be withdrawn from a competition, race, or the like.
synonyms:
withdraw
similar words:
default, foul out
definition 5: in certain games, to earn no points in a given play or round.
similar words:
scribble
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
 
part of speech: noun
definition 1: a mark or slight injury caused by rubbing against something sharp.
I have scratches on my arm from playing with the cat.
synonyms:
abrasion, graze, nick, scrape
similar words:
score
definition 2: the act or process of scratching.
She gave the itchy bite a good scratch.
synonyms:
abrasion, rasp, scrape
definition 3: a scraping or grating sound.
I heard a scratch at the door, and, of course, it was the dog.
synonyms:
rasp, scrape
similar words:
creak
definition 4: in pool or billiards, a shot that results in a penalty, esp. when the cue ball jumps the cushion or enters a pocket.
definition 5: in certain games, a score of zero points in a given play or round.
definition 6: a contestant that has been withdrawn from a competition or race.
definition 7: (slang) money.
synonyms:
bread, dough, green
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
phrase: from scratch
 
part of speech: adjective
definition 1: used for short notes, drafts, or doodling.
She did the calculations quickly on scratch paper.
similar words:
draft
definition 2: (informal) collected hastily and haphazardly; randomly chosen; thrown together.
a scratch soccer team
similar words:
haphazard, impromptu, improvised, random, spontaneous
definition 3: in baseball, indicating a lucky hit, esp. a single.
derivation: scratcher (n.)
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  dog, first aid