scrap 1 of 4

noun (1)

ˈskrap How to pronounce scrap (audio)
Definition of scrapnext
1
as in remainder
an unused or unwanted piece or item typically of small size or value only a scrap of silk was left on the sewing table after they had finished the project

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2
as in fragment
a broken or irregular part of something that often remains incomplete a scrap of paper fluttered to the floor

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3
as in speck
a very small piece brushed away a scrap of lint

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4
as in garbage
discarded or useless material the rest of this stuff is just scrap, so sweep it up and throw it away

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scrap

2 of 4

noun (2)

1
as in dispute
an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions the state legislature's annual scrap over the budget

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2
as in fight
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups several drunken revelers were involved in a scrap outside of the nightclub

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scrap

3 of 4

verb (1)

as in to bicker
to express different opinions about something often angrily the young couple often scrapped about money and their very disparate spending habits

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scrap

4 of 4

verb (2)

1
as in to dump
to get rid of as useless or unwanted we've decided to scrap the second car

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2
as in to abandon
to put an end to (something planned or previously agreed to) we scrapped our plans to go to Paris, and set out the next day for Prague

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word scrap different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of scrap are cast, discard, junk, shed, and slough. While all these words mean "to get rid of," scrap and junk imply throwing away or breaking up as worthless in existent form.

scrap all the old ways
would junk our educational system

When can cast be used instead of scrap?

In some situations, the words cast and scrap are roughly equivalent. However, cast, especially when used with off, away, or out, implies a forceful rejection or repudiation.

cast off her friends

When could discard be used to replace scrap?

While the synonyms discard and scrap are close in meaning, discard implies the letting go or throwing away of something that has become useless or superfluous though often not intrinsically valueless.

discard old clothes

How are the words shed and slough related as synonyms of scrap?

Shed and slough imply a throwing off of something both useless and encumbering and often suggest a consequent renewal of vitality or luster.

shed a bad habit
finally sloughed off the depression

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 scrap
Noun
Dogs did it at least 14,000 years ago, discovering that befriending garbage-producing humans resulted in tastier, more abundant scraps and less arduous lives on their own. —Shoshi Parks, Popular Science, 10 June 2026 The City of Camden has ordered EMR Recycling to cease operations after more than a dozen scrap yard fires at the facility triggered air pollution concerns in recent years. —Alexandra Simon, CBS News, 9 June 2026
Verb
The judge subsequently terminated the lawsuit and scrapped a trial set for August. —Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 11 June 2026 That plan was scrapped after residents expressed concerns about it in January. —Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for scrap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrap
  1. remainder
  2. fragment
  3. speck
  4. garbage
  5. dispute
  6. fight
  7. bicker
  8. dump
Noun
  • Perhaps even a rag-tag group of remainders can put a scare into San Antonio.
    — Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 1 May 2026
  • The best-case scenario would be for the Lakers’ remainders to extend the best-of-seven series with the Rockets long enough for Doncic and Reaves to rejoin LeBron James in that Big Three, either at the end of this series or the start of the next one.
    — Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 13 Apr. 2026
Definition of remainder
Noun
  • The lithosphere, however, is not a single piece but is divided into puzzle-like fragments called tectonic plates, according to the USGS.
    — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 13 June 2026
  • One photo shows the fragments of a bomb.
    — Sarah Dean, NBC news, 12 June 2026
Definition of fragment
Noun
  • But such interludes add up to small specks of stormclouds in the show’s otherwise sunny skies.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 2 June 2026
  • Most astronomers now agree that each of these minuscule crimson specks—which bear a striking resemblance to enormous, faraway stars—actually has a burgeoning black hole at its center.
    — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 27 May 2026
Definition of speck
Noun
  • Every campsite has a bear-resistant food locker, and visitors are being reminded to store food, garbage and other attractants properly.
    — Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 14 June 2026
  • While the Doral incinerator used to burn about half of the county’s daily trash supply, Miami-Dade is now using trucks and trains to send its garbage to landfills across Florida.
    — Douglas Hanks June 11, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026
Definition of garbage
Noun
  • The Washington National Opera is accusing the Kennedy Center of failing to return more than $17 million in donor funds, escalating a dispute that followed the end of a 15-year partnership between the two institutions.
    — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 12 June 2026
  • According to settlement documents filed May 7 in the Southern District of New York, Baldoni, via his Wayfarer production company, and Lively agreed to settle their ongoing dispute on terms that Lively could still seek to recover attorney's fees and additional damages.
    — Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 12 June 2026
Definition of dispute
Noun
  • Most baseball fights produce a little shoving, occasional hugging, some dancing and pulled powderpuff punches.
    — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2026
  • Coming just three days after launch, and after tech leaders and social media influencers showcased Fable’s leap in performance over earlier models, the sudden block has become a larger fight over who decides when an AI system is too powerful for open access.
    — Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
Definition of fight
Verb
  • But Tilly and Gershon playfully bickered onstage as the former remembered things slightly differently, with Tilly saying the problem had more to do with a shot of her hand on Gershon's crotch that was deemed too realistic.
    — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 8 June 2026
  • While things have calmed over the years, the siblings still bicker and often disagree.
    — Eva Remijan-Toba, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2026
Definition of bicker
Verb
  • But especially especially Bea, who got dumped from the island.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 13 June 2026
  • Creating and Browsing Profiles True love takes time, so Match and eharmony are in no rush to dump you right in the middle of the dating pool.
    — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 12 June 2026
Definition of dump

Browse Nearby Words

scrams
scrap
scrapbook
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Cite this Entry

“Scrap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrap. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of scrap for Spanish Speakers

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