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
The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. — Mary Ella Hastings july 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2026 The boil-water notice was issued out an abundance of caution, the LADWP said, as additional testing is being done and samples collected. — Seamus Bozeman follow, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Verb
Score the bottom of a peach with a small x, boil for 10 seconds, and plunge in cool water for effortless peeling. — Monti Carlo, AJC.com, 10 July 2026 The shepherd observed as Underwood boiled and stirred and filtered his brew. — Literary Hub, 10 July 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
  • The blister-proof ballet flats feature supple leather uppers, Ortholite insoles, and an especially versatile design that rivals pairs that cost over double the price.
    — Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 30 June 2026
  • The skin may blister and the eyes inflame, the stomach knot up and the bowels loosen.
    — Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
Definition of blister
Verb
  • In fact, one of the first things most folks will want to do, possibly before even grabbing a drink or snack, is to rip off those steaming boots and slide on something more comfortable.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 July 2026
  • Lucien Laviscount enters the scene and steams it up as Hot Guy who fandangoes with Laila and then upends the apple cart later on.
    — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 9 July 2026
Definition of steam
Verb
  • Roasting, stewing, baking—those are all great ways to make okra.
    — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 13 July 2026
  • Just as Phillies fans will scream about my snub of Marsh, Dodgers fans will stew over my omission of Wrobleski, especially when Wheeler did not return from thoracic outlet surgery until April 25.
    — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of stew
Verb
  • In my experience, most account management teams operate reactively, stepping in only when a customer submits a support ticket or threatens to churn.
    — Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • If anything, though, the core issue with the churning remake machine has always been Disney’s reluctance to take risks with their material.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 8 July 2026
Definition of churn
Noun
  • In animals, the bacterium causes pustules and lesions, predominantly in cattle, sheep, and horses.
    — Helen Branswell, STAT, 11 May 2026
  • 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
Definition of pustule
Verb
  • Do not burn debris or other items during an air quality alert.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2026
  • Research shows warming temperatures from burning coal, oil and gas are making fires more frequent and intense.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 July 2026
Definition of burn
Verb
  • The versatile workhorse is ideal for a variety of cooking needs, like braising short ribs, simmering soups, roasting whole chickens, and slow-cooking lentils.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2026
  • This resentment has been simmering for a year, one player said.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
Definition of simmer
Verb
  • His remarks came amid swirling rumors that Meghan and their children may still make it to Britain.
    — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 10 July 2026
  • The rumor mill about who will take the mantle (or gun, cool car, and nifty gadgets) is currently swirling with leading names, including Callum Turner, Harris Dickinson, and Jacob Elordi.
    — Emily Maskell, IndieWire, 10 July 2026
Definition of swirl

Phrases Containing boil

Browse Nearby Words

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 18 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on boil

Nglish: Translation of boil for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about boil

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