SEAR Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

sear 1 of 2

verb

ˈsir

Definition of sear

as in to char

to burn on the surface lightly sear the steaks, but don't cook them all the way through

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to dry

to make dry the clear desert air is seared by the summer sun

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sear

2 of 2

noun

as in burn

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 sear

Verb

The cataclysm is indelibly seared into La Guaira’s collective consciousness. — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026 Over the years, however, the actress has proven herself remarkably versatile, pivoting nimbly from frothy rom-coms and broad comedies to searing dramas, psychological thrillers, and big-budget spectacles. — Chris Bellamy, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Aug. 2026

Noun

And for that classic, crispy char, get yourself some GrillGrates, which sit on existing grill grates to give you a hard sear. — Francesca Krempa, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026 Place under a broiler for 1 to 2 minutes per side, sear in a hot, dry skillet for 1 to 2 minutes per side or use a bartender’s or chef’s torch to char, until lightly caramelized. — Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sear

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sear

Verb

As of Sunday afternoon, the fire had charred approximately 880 acres and was 40% contained, according to the FFS's Everglades field unit.

— Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026
Add the lemon halves, cut-sides down, and cook until charred on the bottom, 3 to 4 minutes.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of char

Verb

Great at absorbing moisture while still preventing the growth of bacteria, these socks will dry quickly and minimize irritation.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Users usually chew it for an effect similar to amphetamines, or it is dried and boiled to create a stimulant tea.

— Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of dry

Noun

Without vegetation, a barren burn scar allows runoff to flow more quickly.

— Jamie Stengle, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Less than a month later, regulators tagged another nursing home, Cascadia of Nampa, with a fine of nearly $90,000 after inspectors reported a resident was hospitalized and later moved out of state for severe burns.

— Matan Josephy, Idaho Statesman, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of burn

Verb

While blistering heat continues to scorch much of the nation's southern tier, the Midwest and Northeast are enjoying a brief fall preview.

— Doyle Rice, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
Rémi Lecoutre, deputy head gardener at the Claude Monet House and Gardens museum, gave France 24 a tour, which revealed the nasturtiums to be completely wiped out; many other flowers appeared scorched or dead.

— News Desk, Artforum, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of scorch

Noun

An autopsy revealed Gocaj’s cause of death as a combination of scald burns with inhalational thermal injury and blunt force trauma of the torso.

— Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 17 July 2026
Donike Goncaj, 56, fell into the manhole at 52nd Street and Fifth Avenue on May 18 and died of scald burns and thermal inhalation from the steam.

— Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 17 July 2026

Definition of scald

Noun

The federal case was based on allegations the social media giant misrepresented the extent of child mental health harms caused by apps like Facebook and Instagram.

— Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
The suit alleged that Meta designed Instagram with intentionally addictive features and exposed younger users to serious mental harm while misleading the public about the platform’s safety.

— Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of harm

Noun

The right mix of true and imagined can give the simplest of humane narratives — in this case, the possibility of renewal in an epidemic of hurt — a fresher chance to touch us.

— Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Continuing to dwell on this hurt will not be helpful at this point.

— Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of hurt

Browse Nearby Words

seaquakes

sear

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Style

“Sear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sear. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of sear

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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