1
as in desire
sexual appetite
had chaperones at the prom to discourage kids with an adolescent itch
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in craving
a strong wish for something
has an itch to travel to far-off and exciting places
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in lust
intense sexual desire
sailors on shore leave looking to satisfy the itch
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to annoy
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts
don't let her snide put-downs and wisecracks itch you—just ignore her
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 itch
Daryl Austin, USA Today, 12 Apr. 2026
The now-68-year-old engineer retired from NASA in 2013 but got the itch to return to the astral organization a few years after leaving.
—Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Annie Blackman, InStyle, 12 Apr. 2026
And that makeup was constantly itching.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for itch
Noun
Yeast infections often begin with a subtle itch that's easy to ignore at first.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 12 Apr. 2026
The now-68-year-old engineer retired from NASA in 2013 but got the itch to return to the astral organization a few years after leaving.
—Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
Amazon has a ton of chic, spring-ready sneakers my mom (and I) have been itching to add to our carts—head to the site to check out its full selection.
—Annie Blackman, InStyle, 12 Apr. 2026
And that makeup was constantly itching.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for itch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for itch
Noun
-
Part of it was a desire to stick things out with his teammates.—
Adam Grosbard,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The team wanted to keep Phillips and even engaged in conversations with Trey Hendrickson, showing the desire for a high-level edge rusher to join Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith in the top three.—
Jeff Howe,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Zero-calorie sweeteners may help in specific cases but can reinforce cravings for sweet foods.—
Lynn Andriani,
Martha Stewart,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Director Gay has sculpted a staging that is faithful to a more leisurely 19th-century storytelling style, yet satisfies modern audiences’ constant craving for stimulation.—
Rob Hubbard,
Twin Cities,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Airlines are doubling down on premium cabins as more travelers than ever are willing to spend extra to fly in comfort, and the lust for luxury doesn’t stop at the boarding door.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Typically, the former goaltender Hrudey is one of the sport’s more levelheaded commentators, not a lust-for-violence type.—
James Mirtle,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
As a matter of fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if the president doesn’t get annoyed with him once or twice.—
NBC news,
NBC news,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Maybe annoyed enough to fix it.—
Nathan Edwards,
The Verge,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The National Conflict Resolution Center has hosted this event for 38 years now, to recognize individuals and organizations working with passion and purpose toward a better future for all Americans.—
Steven P. Dinkin,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Ducks fans expected the postseason and embraced it with a passion that rocked Honda Center during 12 playoff trips in a 15-season span, including two trips to the Stanley Cup Final and the 2007 championship.—
Todd Harmonson,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
For starters, a handful of clubs with needs at the most important position on the field — that’d be quarterback — resisted the urge to reach in a down year for the position, with most waiting until the later rounds to take a flier on a likely backup.—
Zak Keefer,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
If a user who is interacting with that AI-bot starts to express any words or feelings that even remotely reflect an urge to harm themselves or others, the bot should alert local authorities of the potential risk.—
Letters to the Editor,
Hartford Courant,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Although pest control companies offer lethal solutions such as carpenter bee traps or chemical treatments, the best way to keep carpenter bees from bugging you is using stained, sealed, varnished or treated wood in building projects.—
Sarah Linn
April 24,
Sacbee.com,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Upon arriving at big-league camp this spring, Rojas said the different grip initially bugged him.—
Dan Hayes,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
There was nothing left for anyone to drink at Soft Bar after Sabrina arrived because her insatiable thirst sucked up all the moisture within a ten-block radius.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
29 Apr. 2026
-
That standard is based on the Five Freedoms of animal welfare developed by the Farm Animal Welfare Council, which include freedom from hunger and thirst; from discomfort; from pain, from injury or disease, from fear and distress; and freedom to express normal behavior.—
Jennifer Bringle,
Footwear News,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Itch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/itch. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
