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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
Reheat it in a saucepan over medium-low heat, bringing it just to a simmer but not a full boil. — Martha Stewart, 17 Sep. 2026 On its website, the commercial real estate company said the restaurant will serve Cajun-style seafood and customizable seafood boil. — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 9 Sep. 2026
Verb
This electric kettle boils quickly and has five presets to reach the optimal brewing temperatures for specific tea varieties. — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026 New potatoes, Red Bliss, fingerlings, and other waxy varieties have a dense texture and hold their shape particularly well after boiling. — Molly Baz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 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
  • In a crockery pot, my father steams cauliflower, stirring it round and round.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Airing garments out, steaming them or spot-treating stains can stretch the time between cycles.
    — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 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
  • At the same time, younger members are more likely to sign up for their membership online, and online sign-ups tend to churn at a higher rate than those who sign up in the store.
    — Zev Fima, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Two other powerful storms were churning in the Atlantic Ocean but were not near land.
    — Eugene Garcia, Chicago Tribune, 25 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
  • In Indonesia, farmers rely on rain to dissolve fertilizers into the soil to avoid burning the plants, explained Eddy Martono, chairman of the Indonesian Palm Oil Association.
    — EDNA TARIGAN, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The greatest health risks arise when tobacco is burned, which generates thousands of toxic substances, including carcinogens, carbon monoxide and fine particulate matter.
    — Hasmeena Kathuria, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of burn
Verb
  • But their respective partners were unaware of the feelings simmering under the surface.
    — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 21 Sep. 2026
  • When Stefanski replaced Rush with undrafted rookie quarterback Jack Strand midway through the third quarter, the fanbase largely simmered.
    — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of simmer
Verb
  • Polo was swirling about 130 miles (209 kilometers) south-southwest of Zihuatanejo early Thursday and was moving northwest at 7 mph (11 kph).
    — Megan Janetsky, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Beaches emptied out and dark clouds swirled above choppy seas, while Mexican authorities temporarily suspended classes in a number of areas on Tuesday.
    — DESIREE BROOKS, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 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 26 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on boil

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about boil

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