scribble
5 synonyms for scribble, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To write or draw quickly and carelessly.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To write or draw quickly and carelessly.
“She scribbled her phone number on a napkin.”
2. noun
Hasty, careless writing or drawing.
“I could barely read the scribble on the whiteboard.”
How to use scribble
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
scribble a note
illegible scribble
scribble down
Etymology
From Middle English scribblen, built on "scribe" (to write) plus a frequentative ending suggesting repeated, quick action.
Full origin of scribble →Frequently asked questions
What does “scribble” mean?
The word “scribble” means to write or draw quickly and carelessly. In plain terms, to write or draw quickly and messily, or the messy result itself.
How do you pronounce “scribble”?
“Scribble” is pronounced SKRIH-buhl (/ˈskɹɪbəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “scribble” in a sentence?
Here is “scribble” used in a sentence: “She scribbled her phone number on a napkin.”
What part of speech is “scribble”?
Depending on how it is used, “scribble” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “scribble” come from?
The word “scribble” comes from Middle English. From Middle English scribblen, built on "scribe" (to write) plus a frequentative ending suggesting repeated, quick action.
How many meanings does “scribble” have?
“Scribble” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to write or draw quickly and carelessly.
