SEARING Synonyms: 211 Similar and Opposite Words

searing 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsir-iŋ

Definition of searing

as in boiling

having a notably high temperature in our air-conditioned office, we were oblivious to the searing heat outside

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in harsh

difficult to endure the undersecretary looked chastened as he listened to the congressman's searing rebuke

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

searing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of sear

as in charring

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in drying

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

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 searing

Adjective

Now, after two losing campaigns, each with dramatic, eye-searing collapses, this year may be Norvell’s last. — Noah White, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026 Stephens arrives as if the plan remained intact, her head-to-toe leather look rebelling against the searing heat. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 18 Aug. 2026

Verb

Split the links lengthwise before searing to maximize crispy edges. — Joe Sevier, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 June 2026 Even for a party accustomed to searing debates between progressives and moderates, the schism over Israel has been blistering. — Steve Peoples, Fortune, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for searing

Recent Examples of Synonyms for searing

Adjective

More humane methods of killing lobsters pre-boiling include a sharp knife through the head, electrical stunning, or freezing.

— semafor.com, semafor.com, 29 Dec. 2025
Agrawal and her team studied ionic liquids — salts that are liquid at sub-boiling temperatures (below 212 degrees Fahrenheit, or 100 degrees Celsius) — as a potential hospitable environment for life.

— Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 13 Aug. 2025

Definition of boiling

Adjective

Scott London Every year, Black Rock City appears on a dry lakebed in one of Nevada’s harshest areas, then disappears just as fast.

— Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Hig has bunkered down with a grouchy companion, Bangley (Josh Brolin), who thrives in this harsh world.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of harsh

Verb

With that in mind, Le recommends flipping meat often to prevent charring.

— Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 7 Aug. 2026
Triple Char means that the barrels the bourbon was aged in were charred for three times as long as usual, which is supposed to bring out even more flavors from the wood (the charring process is really what makes bourbon bourbon, after all).

— Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 26 July 2026

Definition of charring

Verb

Determined to create a formula that wasn’t cakey, heavy, or drying, Brown infused her formula with hydrating ingredients.

— Jenny Berg, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2026
The Audi pair almost had a similar problem when Gabriel Bortoleto spun on a greasy but drying track that also caught out and wrecked Verstappen on the opening lap.

— Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of drying

Adjective

Prosecutors said some of the money was used for recruiting new members and purchasing Ku Klux Klan robes and materials for cross-burning ceremonies.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 July 2026
In the case of the cross-burning incident, there is no comparison to the Jussie Smollett case.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026

Definition of burning

Adjective

Within a span of four months in Fort Worth last year, Watkins and Snellings were killed in similarly brutal attacks in the Near Southside and Historic Southside sections of the city.

— Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026
Even so, when investor confidence broke in 1997, the adjustment was swift and brutal.

— MICHAEL PETTIS, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of brutal

Verb

Persistent drought and scorching heat this summer have ravaged ecosystems and businesses across the region, from a lake in Slovenia and the side channel of the Danube in Serbia, to fish farms in Bosnia, the Czech Republic, Romania and Hungary.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
While cooler fall days may be on the horizon, many students returning to school are still dealing with scorching end-of-summer temperatures.

— Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of scorching

Adjective

As seen above, even a hot pink top welcomes a playful edge to a classic plaid midi-skirt and chunky boots.

— India Roby, Glamour, 27 Aug. 2026
In May, officials in Kern County alone also reported a 42% loss in cherry production this year due to a hot stretch in March followed by April rain accounting for a total loss of more than $13 million for growers.

— Jonathan Destler, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of hot

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“Searing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/searing. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of searing

adjective

verb

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