rasp 1 of 2

Definition of raspnext
as in scratch
a harsh grating sound the rusted lock opened with a rasp

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rasp

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to rub
to make smooth by friction after sawing the board in half, rasp the ends to remove any splinters

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2
as in to scratch
to pass roughly and noisily over or against a surface the sound of fingernails rasping on the blackboard makes me cringe

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3
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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 rasp
Noun
Unfortunately, Manchis' heroic deed left the dog with damage to her vocal chords, and her bark has shifted into a low rasp, Zarate added to the outlet. Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025 None of this would land without the heroic voice acting of Pamela Adlon, who subtly dials up his boyish vocal fry into the rasp of a grown man. Jeremy Gordon, The Atlantic, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
Thrips have rasping, sucking mouthparts. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 5 Aug. 2025 The Argentina legend stepped up and rasped the ball into the top corner. Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for rasp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rasp
Noun
  • Use area rugs in high-traffic areas like entryways or in spaces where kids and pets play to prevent scratches.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
  • There was a massive scratch on her mom's front door that wasn't there before.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • As the shoot unfolds, Clyde can be found affectionately rubbing Hayley’s hand, gently playing with the wedding band on her ring finger.
    Cierra Black, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Wet both the pumice stone and the surface where the stain is, and gently rub the pumice over the stain in short strokes until the stain is gone.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Some Walmart shoppers could have already seen egg prices drop at their local stores, according to USA TODAY's shopping cart tracker, powered by Bright Data, a data-scraping company.
    Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Yet Garner still had to scrape to get by while her career was gaining steam in the 1990s.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Betts gazed back with angst, momentarily annoyed with her coach.
    Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 7 Feb. 2026
  • The spa There are two swimming pools, one for families (meaning no stress for parents who worry that their children will annoy other guests, and lots of fun for the kids) and one just for adults.
    Maddalena Fossati, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Cody Powers said that his mother wore State Farm sweatshirts and T-shirts and entered every promotion the company offered.
    J.C. Hallman, Oklahoman, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Complex magazine also reported that the number may have served as a tribute to the singer's late uncle, who wore 64 as a football player.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Fennell begins on a black screen and the sound of creaks and moans.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Hearing the house creak in the recordings was important, Auerbach said.
    Audrey Gibbs, USA Today, 1 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The union filed a grievance on Tuesday, alleging violations to a collective bargaining agreement.
    Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The union filed the complaint Monday in a Massachusetts federal court.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Instead, Ladinig says Pierre Haobsh bugged Henry Han's computer with a spyware app called a keylogger.
    Natalie Morales, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Harry, along with Elton John, Elizabeth Hurley, Sadie Frost and others, alleges the publisher hired private investigators to bug their cars, obtain personal records and eavesdrop on calls.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 20 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rasp. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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