boil 1 of 2

noun

Definition of boilnext
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

ˈbȯi(-ə)l How to pronounce boil (audio)
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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, skimming off any foam that forms on the surface. — Jo Ann Liguori, Flow Space, 12 Oct. 2026 Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until mixture coats the back of a spoon, about 1 minute. — Martha Stewart, 9 Oct. 2026
Verb
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender. — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 17 Oct. 2026 Some carts were stacked high with metal steamers, while others held vats of boiling water to blanch tender stalks of gai lan. — Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for boil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for boil
  1. blister
  2. steam
  3. stew
  4. churn
  5. pustule
  6. burn
  7. simmer
  8. swirl
Noun
  • Not every blister or color change indicates infection, so ask the treating clinician to assess unexpected symptoms.
    — Malana VanTyler, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Siedlecki saw Jannah’s skin turn red, then peel and blister, and the burns extended from the baby’s mid-back to the back of her legs and heels, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of blister
Verb
  • Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani — steamed under a pastry crust and flavored with seasonings blended in India by Adi’s mother.
    — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Shawn, his parents, and the stranger were sitting around the dining table, their bowls of rice steaming before them, when the knock came.
    — Rachel Heng, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of steam
Verb
  • Meanwhile, in the background, favorable sentiments about statement pieces have been stewing.
    — Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Philadelphia is fresh off a one-point loss in the final seconds and spent their entire trip back from London stewing over it — while the Panthers enjoyed a bye week.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of stew
Verb
  • Multiple temperature records have been shattered, and an intense marine heat wave has been churning since last December — making our typical high tides even higher — El Niño notwithstanding.
    — Rosanna Xia, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • If industrial mining machines churn up the seafloor, these delicate biological networks could collapse.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of churn
Noun
  • The infected children reported a range of skin and soft tissue symptoms, including spots, pustules, blisters, and abscesses.
    — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026
  • This causes small but often painful red pustules that cluster at the places where the hairstyle is pulling the tightest.
    — Ayren Jackson-Cannady, Allure, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of pustule
Verb
  • Neurons are closer to Formula One race cars than to family sedans, burning fuel at a furious rate and threatening to blow up at any moment.
    — Rowan Jacobsen, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Wall Street analysts are trying to discern whether Big Tech will continue to burn cash or not.
    — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of burn
Verb
  • That was the opening gambit from Textile Exchange conference host Samata Pattinson last week, kick-starting three days of programming that said a lot about the state of sustainable fashion, and the frustrations simmering below its surface.
    — Bella Webb, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026
  • For this recipe, simmer them whole, with the skins on, until very tender but not falling apart.
    — Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of simmer
Verb
  • The composition of these jets isn’t crystal clear, but scientists suspect electrons, positrons (the antimatter versions of electrons) and perhaps protons are pulled along swirling magnetic lines before being sent out from the black hole’s poles.
    — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • As for the suites, the highlight is their private terraces, peaceful havens from which to admire, paradoxically, the urban whirlwind swirling below.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of swirl

Phrases Containing boil

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bohos
boil
boil down
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Cite this Entry

“Boil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boil. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

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