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
More humane methods of killing lobsters pre-boiling include a sharp knife through the head, electrical stunning, or freezing. semafor.com, 29 Dec. 2025 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
Verb
One-Pan Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken and Peas All the creaminess of a traditional chicken alfredo (one of our favorite chicken recipes)—minus the extra pot for boiling the pasta. Ashlyn Ware, Midwest Living, 24 Apr. 2026 Pouring 2 to 3 gallons of boiling water on a fire ant mound will kill the mound about 60% of the time. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2026 Susan Oludele, a braider in New York and Los Angeles, recommends boiling a pot of water, then dipping a towel into it. Danielle James, Allure, 22 Apr. 2026 After cooking down the butter and seasonings, the next step is adding live crawfish to the mix and boiling them. Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026 When asked why some of the most successful people on Earth would willingly subject themselves to the harsh conditions seen in the show’s promos — such as eating snakes or boiling water to avoid illness — Grylls said, for these stars, the appeal is about authenticity. Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026 Get the recipe > Spoonfuls of buttery dough are cooked in a pot of boiling maple syrup for these rich dumplings. Saveur Editors, Saveur, 15 Apr. 2026 Quinn got that blood boiling on a chilly Monday, powering a two-run homer over the left-center fence to spark the host Mustangs to a 9-4 nonconference win in a game that was moved to Chicago because of wet conditions at Oak Forest. Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026 Blanched Blanching, which involves boiling the food first and then submerging it in cold water, is another healthy method of cooking spinach. Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for boiling
Adjective
  • Steppenwolf and Circle Rep, with their combination of theatrical fearlessness, searing intensity and rabid teamwork, helped shape Mantello’s aesthetic.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
  • Mikey lambastes him anyway, turning a speech in praise of Richie into a searing evisceration.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 5 May 2026
Verb
  • Canvas When steaming canvas, Stern recommends a strong steam setting.
    Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 4 May 2026
  • Ideal for reheating leftovers and frozen food, steaming food in the microwave, and at-a-glance food storage for easy grab and go.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • The Detroit Red Wings sat on the bench, stewing in stunned silence, after their latest loss sealed their fate as a franchise relegated to watching the NHL playoffs on TV.
    CBS News, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
  • The tomatoes for the shakshouka have been stewing for hours.
    Liam Scott, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • There's everything from resentment to jealousy, favouritism, and deceit swirling around in a boiling-hot cauldron where fair is foul and foul is fair.
    Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 6 May 2026
  • Questions have been swirling about whether Cunningham would caucus — join party meetings at the legislature — with Democrats or join Republicans.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 6 May 2026
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
  • Nonetheless, Munden added his own visual flair, with color saturation, distorted close-ups to show the characters’ disorientation, and mesmerizing shots of nature writ large (raging fires, roiling ocean waves, torrential storms) and small (ants devouring a bug).
    Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2026
  • Those close to Desert Warrior were realistic about the movie’s appeal, particularly at a time when war is raging in the Middle East.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 2 May 2026
Verb
  • Fan groups and simmering frustrations For many Americans, the pomp and circumstance of the royals still holds allure.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The decision marks the latest escalation in a long-simmering feud between DeSantis and Perez, who has sought to assert the House’s independence after years in which lawmakers largely aligned with the governor’s priorities.
    Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The religious men took up residence among the locals—people who spent their days tending cows and sheep, churning butter, weeding onions and turnips, scouring the forests for mushrooms, and chiseling sculptures from the local limestone.
    CBS News, CBS News, 1 May 2026
  • This is survival rendered in its rawest, ugliest, most gut-churning form.
    Eva Holland, The Atlantic, 30 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Boiling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boiling. Accessed 9 May. 2026.

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