sweltering

adjective

swel·​ter·​ing ˈswel-t(ə-)riŋ 

: oppressively hot

swelteringly adverb

Synonyms of sweltering

• boiling
• searing
• hot
• burning
• molten

Examples of sweltering in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

This tart but silky sweet pie is well-suited to sweltering days at the beach. — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 5 July 2026

Many Americans didn’t let the sweltering heat or stormy skies stop their party. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 5 July 2026

Yesterday, the pair braved New York’s sweltering temps for a joyride in a red-hot Ferrari. — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 6 July 2026

To prevent greasy-looking roots after a day of sightseeing in the sweltering sun, a mini dry shampoo can be a game changer. — Abbey Hudetz, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sweltering

• sheltering
• weltering

Kids Definition

sweltering

adjective

swel·​ter·​ing

: very hot

swelteringly adverb