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

In 2026, the spectacle of world-class athletes breaking down in sweltering conditions became the latest sign that the Continent’s rapid warming is bringing that ideal to an end. — Eric Klinenberg, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026

Here's where this summer ranks in terms of Oklahoma's hottest, most sweltering seasons. — Dale Denwalt, Oklahoman, 15 Aug. 2026

Under the black cape, trash can helmet and ample body armor straight out of a low-budget sci-fi film, Binface’s alter-ego is Jon Harvey, a middle-aged comedian who has spent much of the campaign trying to keep his cool during a sweltering summer. — ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026

The matriarch shares a sweltering tent with 18 others, mostly relatives, with eight minors among them. — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 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