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Definitions

scratchy

[skrach-ee] / ˈskrætʃ i /
ADJECTIVE
harsh
Synonyms
STRONGEST
cracked discordant hoarse raspy raucous
WEAK
acrid asperous astringent bitter bleak cacophonous caterwauling clashing coarse craggy creaking croaking disagreeing dissonant disturbing dry earsplitting flat glaring grating grim guttural hard incompatible jagged jangling jarring noisy not smooth off-key out-of-key out-of-tune rasping rigid rough rugged rusty screeching severe sharp sour squawky strident stridulous tuneless uneven unlevel unmelodious unmusical unrelenting
Antonyms
STRONGEST
soft

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They were hunting for Tokyo Rose, the owner of a voice that sought to sap military morale by spreading propaganda through countless scratchy Allied radios.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2025

Tammy Beaumont was again scratchy for 22 from 43 balls but Amy Jones found valuable form with her 56, before Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt set a platform with a fluent stand of 113.

From BBC • Oct. 19, 2025

Bethell, who will become England's youngest captain when he leads an under-strength squad in Ireland later this month, looked scratchy and out of form against India, making six and five in his two innings.

From BBC • Sep. 7, 2025

Then Brooks shifts into the light thriller she’s teased since the opening notes of heaving, scratchy violins.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 24, 2025

Billie Holiday’s plaintively scratchy voice had begun to irritate her.

From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie