char 1 of 2

noun

Definition of charnext
British
as in housekeeper
a female domestic servant a busy executive who leaves most of the cooking and cleaning to the char

Synonyms & Similar Words

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char

2 of 2

verb

as in to scorch
to burn on the surface I'd like my hamburger charred, but not cooked through

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 char
Noun
This allows the exterior to char while the interior softens to the perfect texture. — Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2026 Capsules commonly carry ablative shields made from materials designed to char and gradually wear away. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026
Verb
The front of the building was heavily charred, with much of its exterior destroyed. — ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026 Most stands steam their dogs, but the charring approach here adds a smoky flavor and crisper texture. — Amy Cavanaugh, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for char
Recent Examples of Synonyms for char
  1. housekeeper
  2. scorch
  3. maid
  4. singe
  5. sear
  6. light
Noun
  • Jenner was first sued by former members of her staff in April, when another former housekeeper, Angelica Hernandez Vasquez, alleged she was discriminated against.
    — Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Her father was a saxophonist during the big-band era and her mother was a housekeeper.
    — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of housekeeper
Verb
  • Perilous jungles, scorching deserts and frozen tundra slowed him down, but bureaucratic holdups brought his adventure to a halt for long periods.
    — Brian Melley, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Perilous jungles, scorching deserts and frozen tundra slowed him down, but bureaucratic red tape often brought his adventure to a halt for long periods.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of scorch
Noun
  • Winnicott saw his own childhood as one held together by an entire assemblage of women, among them his biological mother, two sisters, a governess, a nanny, and a house full of maids.
    — Jamie Hood, New Yorker, 11 Nov. 2026
  • As Sissy and Flo, a pair of maids who work for Jesse and who see everything, this cheeky, charismatic duo winds up being Wanted’s secret pair of stars.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of maid
Verb
  • No one was injured, with his three children with his ex-wife at the time, but memories were singed, pieces still being put back together.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Strain cocktail over and garnish with a rosemary sprig, briefly singed over a flame, if desired.
    — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of singe
Verb
  • Both were unbelievably tender and seared to a perfect medium-rare.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The first important step is searing the whole turkey legs for optimal browning.
    — Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of sear
Verb
  • Light Up Dunwoody Join in a festive afternoon at Light Up Dunwoody featuring photos with Santa, youth dance and musical performances, food and drinks, games and giveaways, creative crafts, and a tree and menorah lighting just after sunset.
    — Mary Caldwell, AJC.com, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Volunteers will hand out free glow bracelets, necklaces and lighted reindeer noses and a trailer set up to distribute free hot chocolate.
    — Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of light

Browse Nearby Words

chapters
char
character
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Cite this Entry

“Char.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/char. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on char

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about char

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