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
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 Cover, increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, until the quinoa is tender, 15 to 20 minutes. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026
Verb
Araujo suggests creating a flavorful broth rather than using just water to boil the seafood. — Amber Love Bond, Southern Living, 18 July 2026 To increase the amount of resistant starch in your potatoes, boil or bake them, then chill them. — Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 16 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
  • Lefty Nick Lodolo, who is on the IL with a blister on his left index finger for the second time this season, is a free agent after the 2027 season, and right-hander Brady Singer is a free agent after this season.
    — C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 17 July 2026
  • The left-hander exited the game after giving up the homer due to a blister on his left index finger.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 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
  • Fausto has been churning in the Pacific while Tropical Storm Bertha moved along the Gulf Coast.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 July 2026
  • Loudoun County, Virginia, already has tons of windowless buildings that churn the data needed to meet our many tech needs.
    — Yasmin Vossoughian, NBC news, 23 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
  • This simply means simmering it until some of the water evaporates, allowing the flavors to concentrate and the sauce to thicken.
    — Rochelle Bilow, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 July 2026
  • Where does all this fútbol fanaticism (some newfound, some long-simmering) go?
    — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 21 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

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 27 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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