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 repair of the water main break on Headland Drive has been completed, but a boil water advisory remains in effect for residents in the affected area until further notice. — Cbs News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 12 July 2026 Try to visit on the night of a lobster boil—Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings—for the full experience, topped off with Door County cherry bread pudding for dessert. — Kristine Hansen, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026
Verb
Even if eggs are boiled or poached, pairing them with healthy fats like avocado or nuts can provide the fat needed to support vitamin D absorption. — Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 26 July 2026 Steam and Wipe Clean Because every microwave is different, Reichert recommends watching carefully to make sure the bowl doesn’t boil dry. — Colleen Sullivan, Martha Stewart, 25 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
  • Rothy’s Double Bit Loafers redefine chic comfort, complete with a flexible upper and cushy insole for long, blister-free strides that don’t compromise style.
    — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 23 July 2026
  • Wanting to check out his blister and monitor his next bullpen, the Twins had Prielipp join the team in Cleveland.
    — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 23 July 2026
Definition of blister
Verb
  • Its shot-of-steam, spray, vertical-steaming and self-cleaning features were also tested.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 21 July 2026
  • Manila clams are woven into Italian cuisine, tossed in pasta or served steamed.
    — Kasha Patel, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
Definition of steam
Verb
  • Idda takes an epic approach to unearthing the packed layers of a stewing friendship.
    — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 21 July 2026
  • Roasting, stewing, baking—those are all great ways to make okra.
    — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 13 July 2026
Definition of stew
Verb
  • In the churning pool, Max grapples with Tom, who locks him in a stranglehold.
    — JP Mangalindan, Time, 31 July 2026
  • Because the work can churn up mud and sediment that can harm wildlife, the Army Corps consulted federal environmental regulators.
    — Jenny Staletovich, Miami Herald, 30 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
  • The video shows buildings burning near the Behbahan Northwest Airport in the central Khuzestan province.
    — Arpita Dasika, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • Indigenous filmmakers and screen storytellers often feel pressure to burn sage and show feathers, Riedel says.
    — Jennie Punter, Variety, 21 July 2026
Definition of burn
Verb
  • Ever since the Spaniard announced that a wrist injury would sideline him through the end of the clay-court season, and then through Wimbledon, the sport’s ever-simmering terror around them has threatened to boil over.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 30 July 2026
  • That simmering frustration has now collided with Blanche’s nomination to become attorney general after serving in the role on an acting basis.
    — Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 30 July 2026
Definition of simmer
Verb
  • The tissue is solid wood and will have intricate, swirling grain patterns.
    — Pamm Cooper, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2026
  • For months, mystery swirled around a 37-year-old Carlsbad woman found dead in the backcountry of Big Sur with a cut on her forehead and markings around her neck.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 24 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 2 Aug. 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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