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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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
Induction stoves send energy to the pot bring water to a boil in half the time of what would be needed with a gas stove. — Molly McCrea, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 Bring to a boil, skimming off any foam that forms on the surface. — Jo Ann Liguori, Flow Space, 12 Oct. 2026
Verb
In any office environment that can range from boiling to frigid, smart layering is an absolute necessity. — Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 20 Oct. 2026 One simple way to deal with this type of clog is to boil water, then pour several cups down the drain. — Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 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 Paralympian developed a blister at the site of his amputation, which made movement painful.
    — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2026
  • There are no fist-pumping anthems, blister-raising leads or Homme’s cool-AF braggadocio at play here.
    — Jason Pettigrew, SPIN, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of blister
Verb
  • These were extraordinary, the shrimp steamed until the meat, lightly perfumed with ginger, snapped under the tooth, and the pleated wrapper held the right amount of chew.
    — Christopher Solomon, Travel + Leisure, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani — steamed under a pastry crust and flavored with seasonings blended in India by Adi’s mother.
    — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of steam
Verb
  • The Fighting Irish have had a couple weeks to stew over what happened at BYU and will take it out on an underperforming Navy defense.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Meanwhile, in the background, favorable sentiments about statement pieces have been stewing.
    — Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of stew
Verb
  • That churning could explain why classic models, which assume that the ISM is in a tranquil equilibrium, don’t quite seem to match reality.
    — Perri Thaler, Quanta Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026
  • To make New York-style bagels like George’s, the dough is churned in a mixer, kneaded by hand, and cold-fermented.
    — HubSpot, HubSpot, 30 Oct. 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
  • Pre-soirée, however, Vogue couldn’t resist the chance to catch a private moment with Carey and ask her some of our burning questions.
    — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Power lines, vehicles, machinery, burning of debris and campfires can spark fires year-round.
    — Virginia Iglesias, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of burn
Verb
  • Add the cardamom and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the rhubarb is completely broken down and the jam has thickened, about 25 minutes.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026
  • But Langley’s affection for his hometown hasn’t kept his company from drawing, even in Atlanta, the kinds of criticism over issues of privacy, mistakes and misuse that have been simmering nationwide.
    — Graham Hurley, CNN Money, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of simmer
Verb
  • But up to this point, DIIV have endured—thrived, even—because of their refusal to capitulate to the industry winds that swirled around them.
    — Larry Fitzmaurice, Pitchfork, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Conversations began to swirl in Newsom's circle following Tennessee’s botched execution of Christa Pike, The New York Times reported.
    — Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 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 4 Nov. 2026.

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