boiling 1 of 2

Definition of boilingnext

boiling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of boil
1
2
as in stewing
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in swirling
to be in a state of violent rolling motion the sea boiled and frothed during the storm

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 boiling
Adjective
Agrawal and her team studied ionic liquids — salts that are liquid at sub-boiling temperatures (below 212 degrees Fahrenheit, or 100 degrees Celsius) — as a potential hospitable environment for life. Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 13 Aug. 2025 One idea is that about a million years after the Big Bang, the universe cooled and underwent a phase transition, an event similar to how boiling water turns liquid into gas. Yasemin Saplakoglu, Scientific American, 3 Mar. 2020 If candy is still stuck on, pour more boiling water over whatever hasn’t come clean. Washington Post, 3 Dec. 2019 The simplest fix could be as easy as boiling water—boil a medium-size pot once or twice per week, and pour down the drain. Country Living Staff, Country Living, 14 Oct. 2019 Although boiling water is always a set temperature, eggs coming from the fridge or countertop are not. Genevieve Ko, latimes.com, 18 June 2019 Organizers shared tips to help prevent the virus, which include washing hands with soap for more than 30 seconds, eating food that is thoroughly cooked and boiling water before drinking. Rachel Axon, USA TODAY Sports, 6 Feb. 2018 More boiling water: Boil water advisories typically happen due to a water main break and/or a loss of pressure in the water system. Brian Manzullo, Detroit Free Press, 24 Oct. 2017 The station is home to two boiling water reactors, capable of powering more than 2.25 million homes and businesses. Staff Report, The Aegis, 6 June 2017
Verb
If Brussels sprouts cause discomfort, try boiling them briefly before roasting. Lindsey Desoto, Health, 6 Jan. 2026 Baking Soda and Hot Water Fill a sink or container with hot water (boiling water is best) and submerge the glass vessel. Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 30 Dec. 2025 To cook oysters out of their shells, the CDC recommends boiling them for at least three minutes, frying them in oil for at least three minutes, broiling for three minutes or baking for 10 minutes. Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 24 Dec. 2025 During the last 5 minutes of cooking time, warm the golden syrup in a small saucepan over a gentle heat until hot and liquid, but not boiling. Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 22 Dec. 2025 While the water is technically heated to near-boiling temperatures to brew coffee and tea, that’s not always enough to guarantee safety, especially when altitude changes the boiling point. Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 19 Dec. 2025 Warm-mist models work by boiling water to release a warm vapor. Daryl Austin, USA Today, 13 Dec. 2025 Blanch puntarelle ribbons in boiling water generously seasoned with vinegar, salt, and sugar. Katie Parla, Saveur, 30 Oct. 2025 Innovations the Society is supporting include smart glasses to identify warning signs like the stove being on or kettle boiling, while going forward AI may help with identifying things like faces, or everyday objects and how to use them. Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for boiling
Adjective
  • The searing drama follows the titular socialite (Tessa Thompson) over the course of one opulent, suffocating party.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Emergency responders worked around the clock to locate survivors, enduring searing heat and toxic fumes.
    Josh Green, Time, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Instead, he was bundled off in the middle of the night to the USS Iwo Jima steaming offshore in the Caribbean and then a flight to Stewart Air National Guard Base in the Hudson Valley on his way to a New York jail cell to await his trial.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 4 Jan. 2026
  • The extra hydration and water vapor from a steaming mug of tea help thin the mucus.
    Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 31 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Not so Wolverhampton Wanderers or West Ham United, who really are stewing in their own juices.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2026
  • After two-plus days of stewing over the no-show against the Rockets, including a team meeting on Saturday and a rare Sunday morning shootaround, the Lakers found themselves in the second quarter, with Doncic scoring 15 of his 24 first-half points in the period for a 68-53 halftime lead.
    CBS News, CBS News, 28 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • The move enraged both civilians and public officials throughout the country, with questions swirling about Stokes’ qualifications.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 8 Nov. 2025
  • With Mendoza’s stock climbing and the Jets still searching for answers at quarterback, speculation is already swirling about what this move could mean.
    Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Please tell me the sequel could answer the most burning question of the ’00s: How could Austin not recognize Sam in that mask?
    Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Cooper, 30, asked Hargitay one more burning question about the actors' on-screen alter egos: will Olivia and Elliot ever end up together?
    Victoria Edel, People.com, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Newsom, along with California’s two Senators, had spent most of Wednesday in LA with fire survivors and first responders on the anniversary of the raging storm that destroyed so much for so many.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Another piece of footage, also geolocated, shows a fire raging inside a government complex in northeast Golestan province.
    Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Using a spoon, make a whirlpool in center of simmering water in saucepan.
    Amanda Stanfield, Southern Living, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The film is described as a powerful coming-of-age drama focused on a family where violence and manipulation are always simmering under the surface.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Images show the Jayhawk hovering over dark green, churning waters while a small orange life raft bobs below, tossed by wind and waves.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Still, the car lacks both the outrageousness of its predecessors and the stomach-churning performance of its descendants.
    Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Boiling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boiling. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

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