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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
While water service was restored to customers in Pāhala, a boil water notice was issued out of an abundance of caution. — ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026 In January, potential jurors waited downstairs of the Orange County Courthouse as tensions came to a boil between Edgar and his attorney after Edgar wrote a letter to the judge alleging Barrett refused to explore an insanity defense. — Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Aug. 2026
Verb
Users usually chew it for an effect similar to amphetamines, or it is dried and boiled to create a stimulant tea. — Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 Specifically, the heat from boiling water breaks down the plant’s cell membranes, disrupting its ability to grow and ultimately leading to death. — Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 22 Aug. 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
  • Roster move As expected, the Dodgers put right-hander Roki Sasaki on the 15-day IL with a blister on the middle finger of his right hand on Thursday.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Sasaki left the game in the fourth inning with a blister on the middle finger of his right hand.
    — Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of blister
Verb
  • Their sound was described as a hybrid mixing elements of rock, blues and funk into a steaming-hot Houston stew.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Brighter landscape shots with more complicated colors, however, like a steaming blue hot spring surrounded by yellow-red sand and green trees, don’t look nearly as vibrant as the lush greens and blues of the Planet Earth II footage.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of steam
Verb
  • 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
  • Idda takes an epic approach to unearthing the packed layers of a stewing friendship.
    — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 21 July 2026
Definition of stew
Verb
  • Ashcroft keeps the pace steady and the atmosphere churning, while Deming conjures a more generic but perfectly effective air of menace in damp shades of brown and teal.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Peaceful, lush green valleys are transformed in an instant with the violence of churning water.
    — Matteo Moschella, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of churn
Noun
  • 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
  • In animals, the bacterium causes pustules and lesions, predominantly in cattle, sheep, and horses.
    — Helen Branswell, STAT, 11 May 2026
Definition of pustule
Verb
  • Fans of Dolly Parton have erected a memorial at the legendary singer-songwriter’s star on Nashville’s Music City Walk of Fame, placing flowers, cards and candles that continue to burn into the morning hours.
    — Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
  • At least five structures are known to have been burned, and additional damage assessments are expected to be conducted later Tuesday today.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of burn
Verb
  • One of China’s biggest restaurant chains has promised to refund thousands of customers after footage of a patron urinating into a simmering hotpot went viral online, triggering a public outcry.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Served on a bed of jasmine rice, the bowl includes chicken tinga — a Mexican dish in which the chicken is shredded and simmered in a smoky, slightly spicy red sauce — roasted corn salsa, pico de gallo, avocado crema and sliced jalapeños.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of simmer
Verb
  • Much has changed on the ground in Chicago since Ahmed left town for Dubai as investigations swirled around him.
    — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Starting Friday, the strong wind shear that’s been swirling in the Atlantic all season and keeping most storms at bay is expected to pick up again, wearing away at Dolly.
    — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on boil

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about boil

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