scratch (out)

verb

Definition of scratch (out)next
1
as in to write
to compose and set down on paper the words of scratched out a poem for his beloved wife on the home front

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to delete
to show (something written) to be no longer valid by drawing a cross over or a line through it scratched out the old phone number and wrote in the new one

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scratch (out)
  1. write
  2. delete
  3. pen
  4. cancel
Verb
  • Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and wrote the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY.
    — Zach Wichter, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • Long also wrote over the clip, which showed the family of three sitting by the water and opening a bottle of champagne.
    — Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
Definition of write
Verb
  • In a lengthy post on X that has since been deleted, AMC CEO Adam Aron described the inside as flamingo pink from the couches to the curtains, but also like an intimate garden party with lush, idyllic, green scenery and five-foot trees.
    — Bryan West, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • After the White House initially defended the post as satire, the video in question was deleted after a backlash including from some Republicans.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 2 July 2026
Definition of delete
Verb
  • Members of the Autism Treatment Association of Minnesota penned a letter to the committee describing grave consequences.
    — Conor Wight, CBS News, 2 July 2026
  • Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is penning the screenplay.
    — Zack Sharf for Variety, Robb Report, 30 June 2026
Definition of pen
Verb
  • As aides at the Capitol were actively building a stage for the celebratory event, meant to communicate a big cost-of-living win to voters, the president abruptly canceled it.
    — Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • The city council voting against a recommendation by its fire marshal to cancel the display.
    — Chierstin Roth, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Definition of cancel
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.

Browse Nearby Words

scratching (out)
scratch (out)
scratch pad
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Cite this Entry

“Scratch (out).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scratch%20%28out%29. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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