hot water

noun

Synonyms of hot waternext
: a difficult or dangerous situation : trouble entry 1 sense 4
used with in or into
But this poor fellow was always getting into hot water, and if there was a wrong way of doing a thing, was sure to hit upon it.Richard Henry Dana, Jr.
In recent years, comedians have found themselves in hot water for making politically incorrect topics about everything from race to gender.James Hohmann

Examples of hot water in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
When smooth, gradually stir in egg yolk mixture and cook, stirring constantly, over hot water until thick. Indianapolis Star, IndyStar, 27 Feb. 2026 Also, keep the nearby hot water faucet open to bleed air from the water line. Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Feb. 2026 In another story, Cara, a single parent, loses her apartment when her landlord refuses to fix her hot water heater. Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026 Dish towels should be washed in hot water at least once a week, and ideally every few days in a busy kitchen. Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hot water

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hot water was in 1840

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hot water.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hot%20water. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

hot water

noun
: a distressing situation : trouble
in hot water for not doing my chores

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