1
as in to scratch
to damage by rubbing against a sharp or rough surface
scuffed up her shoes by rubbing her feet under the rung of the chair
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to shuffle
to move heavily or clumsily
the miners scuffed past in heavy boots
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples 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 scuff
Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2024
Baking soda: As a natural abrasive, baking soda can be massaged across nails with a damp washcloth to (slowly) scuff off the layer of polish.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 16 Sep. 2024
Aimee Hart, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2024
All bags endure wear and tear, but at least with soft-sided luggage the fabric is able to hide the usual scuff marks.
—Paris Wilson, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for scuff 
Verb
The same method as cleaning linoleum works for buffing scratches or scuffs out of patent leather, soft white leather, sneaker midsoles, or vinyl.
—Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2024
Baking soda: As a natural abrasive, baking soda can be massaged across nails with a damp washcloth to (slowly) scuff off the layer of polish.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 16 Sep. 2024
Noun
The blurry quality of the original is long gone, with everything sharp and in focus, from the scuffs of dirt on skin to the texture of in-game objects.
—Aimee Hart, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2024
All bags endure wear and tear, but at least with soft-sided luggage the fabric is able to hide the usual scuff marks.
—Paris Wilson, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for scuff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scuff
Verb
-
Scientists are scratching their heads over what drives these powerful tempests.Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Nov. 2024
-
But even that blockbuster merely scratches the surface of his cultural impact.Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
Once the road trip ends, Bronny will be shuffling between the G-League and the main Lakers roster.David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024
-
These relationships shuffle among the large, contentious staff — Mexican, white, Italian, black, Muslim, Albanian, and Dominican, a panoply of types whose individuality keeps the action lively, timely, yet unpredictable.Armond White, National Review, 30 Oct. 2024
Noun
-
Arlene was only 28 years old, but the action made her knees creak and her lower back protest.EW.com, EW.com, 1 Nov. 2024
-
But Take Note There have been complaints of faulty bearings, and the ride can be a bit wobbly and loud, with some squeaks and creaks along the way.Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 23 Sep. 2024
Verb
-
Whisk in flour, scraping up the browned bits on the bottom of the pan until lightly browned, about 2 minutes.Cathy Thomas, Orange County Register, 11 Nov. 2024
-
Biking to Chouinard’s home, Caldwell quickly realized how many of the original houses in Jackson had been scraped to build mansions.Jayme Moye, Outside Online, 8 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
Instead of stomping their feet, her parents could simply say her name.Dana Hunsinger Benbow, The Indianapolis Star, 7 Oct. 2024
-
Dinosaurs stomp past, ice ages come and go, indigenous people hunt for food.David Fear, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
And despite his Pittsburgh roots and Florida home, Monaco’s low rasp and vocal patterns wouldn’t be out of place on a Sopranos bit-character.Brendan Menapace, SPIN, 1 Oct. 2024
-
At the heart of the group’s new identity is the interplay between Shinoda, who sounds revitalized as both quick-twitch rapper and heartfelt crooner, and Armstrong, whose formidable rasp can both wallop and deeply affect rock listeners.Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 5 Sep. 2024
Verb
-
Surveyors reportedly stumbled upon the endangered bees during an environmental review of the area, forcing regulators to suspend the project.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
-
In the fall of 2022, a Princeton University graduate student named Carolina Figueiredo stumbled onto a massive coincidence.Charlie Wood, WIRED, 3 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near scuff
Cite this Entry
“Scuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scuff. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share