itch 1 of 2

noun

Definition of itchnext
1
as in desire
sexual appetite had chaperones at the prom to discourage kids with an adolescent itch

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in craving
a strong wish for something has an itch to travel to far-off and exciting places

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3
as in lust
intense sexual desire sailors on shore leave looking to satisfy the itch

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

itch

2 of 2

verb

ˈich How to pronounce itch (audio)
as in to annoy
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts don't let her snide put-downs and wisecracks itch you—just ignore her

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Example 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 itch
Noun
There were obviously some itches to scratch. — Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 The mice that were prevented from scratching and those lacking the itch-sensing neuron experienced less inflammation. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026
Verb
Developed by dermatologists, this cream can help relieve dry skin symptoms, including flaking and itching. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 23 June 2026 Just months after the epic conclusion of Stranger Things, David Harbour and Millie Bobby Brown are already itching to get back on set together. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for itch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for itch
  1. desire
  2. craving
  3. lust
  4. annoy
  5. passion
  6. urge
  7. bug
  8. thirst
Noun
  • But experts say higher energy costs in Europe and a desire to slow global warming fuel the air conditioning-free lifestyle.
    — Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • And yet Webster’s dictionary, and his earlier attempts at spelling reform, expressed a radical desire to forge an entirely new tongue based in the vernacular genius of the aspiring American people.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026
Definition of desire
Noun
  • Derived from a Central African shrub, the drug's ability to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings were uncovered by accident, when Howard Lotsof, a 19-year old addicted to heroin, tried ibogaine out of curiosity in 1962.
    — Gavin Escott, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • This no-bake recipe uses cornflakes, creamy peanut butter, and chocolate chips to satisfy any sweet tooth craving.
    — Patricia S York, Southern Living, 4 July 2026
Definition of craving
Noun
  • Photography arrived, kindling an enthusiasm that Baudelaire, ever the cynic, compared to a lust for pornography.
    — Cal Revely-Calder, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
  • Exploding The Weeknd’s shivery lust with the guttural churn of Deftones, this is toxic codependency music, the perfect soundtrack for Obsession if the movie were more tasteless.
    — Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 25 June 2026
Definition of lust
Verb
  • Paraguay’s tactics, seeking to frustrate and disrupt France, had annoyed Henry as well as the current team and coach.
    — Stuart James, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • Others are annoyed that its ambiguous language will create confusion over how — or if — the state will enforce compliance.
    — Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 27 June 2026
Definition of annoy
Noun
  • Mars and Uranus’ alignment inspires you to follow your passions, but be mindful of the risks involved!
    — USA TODAY, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Just don’t mistake them for the biggest Fourth of July fans — their passion is history, not patriotic celebrations.
    — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Definition of passion
Noun
  • The idea remains fan speculation rather than reported fact, but her announcement history makes the urge to investigate understandable.
    — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 2 July 2026
  • Spontaneous and slightly chaotic, this cerebral synergy can bring surprising news or perhaps even trigger the sudden urge to break out of a stagnant situation.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
Definition of urge
Verb
  • What really bugs me about this moment, and about the battle and its aftermath, is the lack of feeling.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • The necessity of the trip at all is what's been bugging me.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 12 June 2026
Definition of bug
Noun
  • While the dogs/chips/ice cream might still ring true, my thirst-quencher of choice has evolved.
    — Melissa Knific, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 July 2026
  • If your skin needs a hydration boost, reach for the brand's Hyaluronic Moisture formula with hyaluronic acid and snow mushroom to quench its thirst.
    — Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
Definition of thirst

Phrases Containing itch

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Cite this Entry

“Itch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/itch. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on itch

Nglish: Translation of itch for Spanish Speakers

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