All Definitions for Scratch
Below are all the dictionary definitions of scratch:
1To rub a surface with a sharp object, especially by a living creature to remove itching with nails, claws, etc.
2To rub the skin with rough material causing a sensation of irritation
3To cause itching.
4To irritate someone's skin with one's unshaven beard when kissing.
5To mark a surface with a sharp object, thereby leaving a scratch (noun).
6To get such scratches
7To cross out, strike out, strike through some text on a page.
8Hence, to remove, ignore, or delete.
9To produce a distinctive sound on a turntable by moving a vinyl record back and forth while manipulating the crossfader (see also scratching).
10To commit a foul in pool, as where the cue ball is put into a pocket or jumps off the table.
11To score, not by skillful play but by some fortunate chance of the game.
12To write or draw hastily or awkwardly
13Scrawl.
14To dig or excavate with the claws.
15To dig or scrape (a person's skin) with claws or fingernails in self-defense or with the intention to injure.
16To announce one's non-participation in a race or sports event part of a larger sports meeting that one was previously signed up for, usually in lieu of another event at the same meeting.
17A disruption, mark or shallow cut on a surface made by scratching.
18An act of scratching the skin to alleviate an itch or irritation.
19A starting line (originally and simply, a line scratched in the ground), as in boxing.
20A technical error of touching or surpassing the starting mark prior to the official start signal in the sporting events of long jump, discus, hammer throw, shot put, and similar. Originally the starting mark was a scratch on the ground but is now a board or precisely indicated mark.
21(cycling) The last riders to depart in a handicap race.
22(billiards) An aberration.
23A foul in pool, as where the cue ball is put into a pocket or jumps off the table.
24(horse racing) A horse withdrawn from a race prior to the start.
25A minor injury.
26Money
27Especially, cash.
28A feed, usually a mixture of a few common grains, given to chickens.
29Minute, but tender and troublesome, excoriations, covered with scabs, upon the heels of horses which have been used where it is very wet or muddy.
30A genre of Virgin Islander music, better known as fungi.
31Poor handwriting
32Especially, illegibly so.
33Nothing, zero. Used especially in card games or sports, but also expressions like "from scatch".
34For or consisting of preliminary or tentative, incomplete, etc. work.
35Hastily assembled, arranged or constructed, from whatever materials are to hand, with little or no preparation
36Relating to a scratchpad, a data structure or recording medium attached to a machine for testing or temporary use.
37(of a player) Of a standard high enough to play without a handicap, i.e. to compete without the benefit of a variation in scoring based on ability.
38(archaic, US, slang) A shot which scores by chance and not as intended by the player
39A fluke.
40A scratch wig.
41A free educational visual programming language developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab.
42A surname.
About antonyms for scratch
Finding the right antonym for scratch helps writers create contrast, clarify meaning, and add depth to their work. Defined as "To rub a surface with a sharp object, especially by a living creature to remove itching with nails, claws, etc.", scratch has 0 opposite words that can be used to express contrasting ideas.
When choosing an antonym, consider the connotation, formality level, and audience. Some alternatives work better in casual conversation while others shine in academic or professional writing. For example, using a more formal antonym in a business email can elevate your tone, while a casual antonym might feel more natural in creative writing or dialogue.
It is also worth noting that not all antonyms are perfectly interchangeable. The context of your sentence, the surrounding words, and the intended emotional impact all play a role in selecting the best opposite word. The list above provides the most common and useful antonyms for scratch, but always read your sentence aloud to ensure the chosen word flows naturally.