scramble

12 synonyms and 1 antonym for scramble, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Verb — To move quickly and awkwardly, often using hands and feet, especially over rough ground.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

beat struggle skin

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

shin

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

scurry jumble scuffle scamper shinny clamber sputter throw together

Synonyms by Meaning

1. verb

To move quickly and awkwardly, often using hands and feet, especially over rough ground.

“They scrambled up the rocky slope to reach the summit.”

beat struggle shin scurry jumble scuffle scamper skin shinny clamber sputter throw together

Opposites

unscramble

2. noun

A disorderly rush or struggle, especially to get or reach something.

“There was a scramble for seats when the doors opened.”

scurry scamper scuffle

How to use scramble

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

scramble up scramble for something scrambled eggs scramble jets

Etymology

Origin uncertain, though it likely comes from a dialect word meaning \"to rake or scrape together with the hands,\" possibly related to scrabble.

Full origin of scramble →

Frequently asked questions

What does “scramble” mean?

The word “scramble” means to move quickly and awkwardly, often using hands and feet, especially over rough ground. In plain terms, to move or act hurriedly and awkwardly, to cook eggs by stirring them, or a chaotic rush.

How do you pronounce “scramble”?

“Scramble” is pronounced SKRAMBL (/ˈskɹæmbl̩/ in IPA).

How do you use “scramble” in a sentence?

Here is “scramble” used in a sentence: “They scrambled up the rocky slope to reach the summit.”

What part of speech is “scramble”?

Depending on how it is used, “scramble” can be a verb and a noun.

Is “scramble” a common word?

“Scramble” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “scramble” have?

“Scramble” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to move quickly and awkwardly, often using hands and feet, especially over rough ground.

Related words

sortie

People also searched

beat skin struggle shin unscramble shinny scamper scuffle jumble scurry sputter clamber

Nearby words

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