# scratch vs stretch

> English confusable word pair

## The two words

### scratch
*verb · IPA /skɹæt͡ʃ/ · frequency rank #5,547*
To rub a surface with a sharp object, especially by a living creature to remove itching with nails, claws, etc.

### stretch
*verb · IPA /stɹɛt͡ʃ/ · frequency rank #3,984*
To lengthen by pulling.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/vs/scratch-vs-stretch