boil 1 of 2

as in blister
a small, inflamed swelling of the skin the dermatologist lanced the infected boil that had formed on the patient's neck

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boil

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to steam
to be excited or emotionally stirred up with anger the passengers were boiling when they found out the flight was delayed yet again

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2
as in to stew
to cook in a liquid heated to the point that it gives off steam boil the potatoes until they are tender before you try to mash them

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3
as in to churn
to be in a state of violent rolling motion the sea boiled and frothed during the storm

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of boil
Noun
Bring to a boil and then turn down to a simmer. Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025 Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat to medium and cook for 20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
Some of Jelly's favorite tour meals include a healthier version of Nashville-style hot chicken and French fries boiled in bone broth. Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025 Add a chunk of dry ice to the drink for a smoky, boiling cauldron effect. Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for boil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for boil
Noun
  • Most patients have mild symptoms for seven to 10 days, which can include fever, sore throat, painful mouth sores that blister and a rash on the hands and feet, the CDC said.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Cook, undisturbed, until the tomatoes start to blister on the bottom.
    Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Ferrara’s arrival in New York City and subsequent entry into the movie business is presented as something like a case of recidivism, a dive from suburban gentility into the cauldron of steaming garbage that was Fun City–era Manhattan.
    Nick Pinkerton, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The clip then smash-cuts to a scene of Bruce as a child listening to his parents fight in the next room, and we’re meant to understand that the joy and power that steams off of the stage is a cure for the pain of childhood wounds.
    Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Now Zelensky arrives less as a supplicant and more like a friend and partner, while Russian President Vladimir Putin stews in the Kremlin, frozen—for the moment—from the diplomatic conversations.
    Tom Nagorski, Time, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Betrayed by his best friend and left alone to stew in it, Wes doesn’t take long to agree to back Roxie in the takeover.
    Andy Andersen, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Melissa was churning about 300 miles south of Haiti with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph as of Tuesday evening, according to the National Hurricane Center.
    Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Earnings are revving up this week, and investors are keeping a close eye on results that could be the catalyst to keep markets churning higher.
    Nick Wells,Pia Singh, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In fact, one of the most common triggers of rosacea, which is characterized by flushing, swelling, spider veins, papules, and pustules, is exposure to sunlight.
    Sherri Gordon, Health, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Research suggests that pimple patches aren't effective on cystic acne, pustules, or blackheads.
    Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • My father’s kind voice ruptured the sound of violence raging around us.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Or to be safe and dry as a storm rages outside?
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Potatoes add a plentiful bit of starchy and are super tender after simmering.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Poached Eggs Poaching eggs involves dropping cracked eggs into simmering water, then cooking them until the whites are set and the yolk is still runny.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Fan theories have swirled online about Byler, and not just in Schnapp’s comment section, but in discussion forums like Reddit.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Here, much to the amazement of onlookers, sacrificial animals such as bulls would drop dead after breathing in noxious carbon dioxide fumes swirling up from below.
    Barry Neild, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Boil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boil. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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