sweltering

1 of 2

adjective

swel·​ter·​ing ˈswel-t(ə-)riŋ 

: oppressively hot

swelteringly adverb

sweltering

2 of 2

present participle of swelter entry 1

Synonyms of sweltering

Adjective

• boiling
• searing
• hot
• burning
• molten

Examples of sweltering in a Sentence

Adjective

the air conditioning was broken, and it was sweltering in the office

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

So do the engine, the drivetrain, the burning tires and the sweltering track surface. — Patrick Iversen, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026

The customer gulps it down in a single stretch and drops it into a bin – visible proof of his relief, at least for this moment, from the sweltering heat. — Light Oriye Tamunotonye, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Sep. 2026

In a sweltering apartment, that kind of drop can mean the difference between uncomfortable and unbearable. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Sep. 2026

Michigan is forecast to experience a sweltering summer-like week, and officials have issued a heat advisory for southwest Michigan counties where the heat index is expected to reach 100 degrees. — Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1566, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sweltering

• sheltering
• weltering

Kids Definition

sweltering

adjective

swel·​ter·​ing

: very hot

swelteringly adverb