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
Two negative tests, 24 hours apart, are needed to lift the boil water notice. — Julie Sharp, CBS News, 1 July 2026 Twice in the last year, the city has issued boil notices to all the residents. — Joe Salas june 28, New Atlas, 28 June 2026
Verb
Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package directions. — ABC News, 7 July 2026 Another option is to dip the stems briefly in boiling water to help dissolve the sap before placing the hydrangeas in a vase. — Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 6 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
  • The afterbirth hanging down from the cows, steaming in the cold spring air.
    — Emily Ruskovich, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026
  • Reduce heat to low and cook (milk should be steaming or just barely simmering around edges of pan) 10 minutes.
    — Joe Sevier, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026
Definition of steam
Verb
  • 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
  • The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC appears noticeably more clear and less green in the weeks before the Fourth of July as renovation work continues, but controversy still stews.
    — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 22 June 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
  • According to researchers, any toxic airborne chemicals would likely stem from the charred foam insulation, metal exterior, burned solar panels and any lithium batteries that might have been present inside the warehouse.
    — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • In Los Angeles County, the fire department said a man was critically injured after a fire burned at least two cars in a parking lot in the Wilmington neighborhood on July 3.
    — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 7 July 2026
Definition of burn
Verb
  • Firms moving goods across the border from the UAE into Saudi Arabia are complaining of delays lasting up to several days in some instances, in a sign of the simmering tensions between the Gulf’s largest economies.
    — Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 9 July 2026
  • And what else simmers beneath the surface in this tense family drama?
    — Caroline Reilly, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of simmer
Verb
  • Rumors of their relationship continued to swirl after they were photographed leaving Arrowhead Stadium together after the game.
    — Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • As internet rumors swirled that the couple would marry that day in Rhode Island, Swift and Kelce spent the evening in New York City instead.
    — Bryan West, USA Today, 3 July 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 11 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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