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.

Smith’s neck problem cropped up Saturday, when he was scratched from the Dodgers’ lineup against the Angels.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

When I finally did, age 30, I realized to my chagrin that in following his footsteps, I hadn’t scratched the surface of his intellectual journey.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

Mice missing TRPV4 in sensory neurons scratched less often overall, but each scratching episode lasted much longer than normal.

From Science Daily • May 10, 2026

Cox had expected to have three horses in the Derby but the barn was hit with some bad news on Thursday morning, when Fulleffort was scratched due to a chip in his left hind ankle.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

Once the needle settled, she scratched away on her clipboard, while Fig hurtled off the scale, dashing back to the safety of his carrier.

From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas