Synonyms of scorch

scorch

verb

ˈskȯrch 

1

as in to char

to burn on the surface

the picnickers kept scorching their marshmallows, deliberately sticking their skewers into the licking flames of the campfire

Synonyms & Similar Words

• char
• singe
• bake
• sear
• light
• ignite
• fire
• incinerate
• inflame
• kindle
• scald
• cremate
• scathe

2

as in to dry

to make dry

weeks of drought had badly scorched the soil

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dry
• parch
• bake
• sear
• desiccate
• dehydrate
• drain
• evaporate
• shrivel
• dehumidify
• wither
• air-dry
• mummify
• wizen

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• wash
• wet
• water
• saturate
• flood
• drown
• soak
• bathe
• hydrate
• douse
• inundate
• drench
• overflow
• damp
• dampen
• moisten
• waterlog
• deluge
• sop
• submerge
• dip
• swamp
• souse
• humidify
• rehydrate
• dunk

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of scorch

Check between presses to avoid overheating or scorching the fabric. — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2026

Keep in mind that heat still radiates from the bulb, so the lamp should sit on a stable surface away from paper, fabric or anything else that could scorch. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2026

This has always been a heated game, the rivalry burning hot long before Kiffin scorched the Earth on his way out the door. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026

These hardy plants withstand extreme weather, from scorching heat to harsh winters. — Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 16 Sep. 2026