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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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 the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat, partially cover the pot, and simmer until the beans are tender—this can take anywhere from 40 minutes for smaller beans, like navy; to 2 hours for fat gigantes. — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Sep. 2026 Ever the flower child, Hoffs had a word with someone on the Dead tour, who invited the Bangles to the band’s crawfish boil that night. — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
The second a Verizon worker mentions adding a screen protector, my blood boils. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Sep. 2026 Cook, stirring occasionally and keeping a close watch, until mixture begins to foam up and boil, about 5 minutes. — Carla Lalli Music, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Sep. 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
  • Without hesitation, Gardner stepped in to help, despite the fact that the paint and adhesives made his body swell and blister the following day.
    — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Right-hander Roki Sasaki is working back from a blister on his middle finger and is penciled in to return from the IL next week against the Padres.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of blister
Verb
  • 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
  • As America steams headlong into November, working-class folks are still at loggerheads with its political class.
    — Jim Beaugez, Rolling Stone, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of steam
Verb
  • The easygoing Mexican brunch, lunch and dinner spot became a Wesley Heights favorite for its authentic tacos, frozen drinks and stewed pork shoulder pozole rojo served with hominy, shredded cabbage, onions and cilantro over fresh tostadas.
    — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Others are stewed with aromatics and oil to make a riotous take on XO sauce, funky and inky and complex, which gilds the hunks of squash under their corny beurre blanc.
    — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of stew
Verb
  • Other factors sending Treasury yields higher are also continuing to churn, including worries about the big debt loads that Washington and other governments worldwide are supporting.
    — Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
  • In the churning, deep waters of the Bay of All Saints, conventional construction equipment doesn’t stand a chance.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 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
  • Oura might not be under the same pressure to access capital as a cash-burning startup.
    — Morgan Chittum, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The scene is a sensory one, with layered cowhide rugs, leather armchairs, a wood-burning fire, and twinkling chandeliers that were original to the Pulitzers’ home.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of burn
Verb
  • The killing of a woman in Okinawa has sparked an outcry across Japan and inflamed long-simmering tensions over the US military presence on the island.
    — Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The deterioration in ties has simmered for nearly two years, raising fears that Washington may take more economically damaging steps after imposing visa restrictions on unnamed South African officials last month.
    — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of simmer
Verb
  • Now, questions are swirling around the agreement, including who will pay for the benefits and when residents would receive them.
    — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Burnham’s comments come as questions about the incident – which triggered a major security response in the area and sparked international alarm – continue to swirl on both sides of the Atlantic.
    — Kara Fox, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 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 8 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on boil

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about boil

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