chars 1 of 2

Definition of charsnext
plural of char, British

chars

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of char
as in scorches
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 chars
Verb
At American Elm, Mangin moves his cut of ribeye around the grill and flips it so each side faces the heat and chars the outside, guaranteeing a more even cook inside. Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 12 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chars
Noun
  • The movie does attempt to gesture at class and race as thematic underpinnings (the maids trapped in The Virgil are mostly non-white, while the villains are rich Caucasians), but like the story and action at large, these go pretty much nowhere, and feel like obligatory symbols.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026
  • One former chef later told federal investigators how Epstein would take a girl to his master bedroom every hour, and after his massage, the maids would go make the bed and clean up.
    Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • As the world around them scorches under record heat, a family walks into the woods, asking what the future holds in this thermal dystopia.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 14 Jan. 2026
  • That’s the difference between fury that scorches everything in sight and anger that fuels justice.
    Marc Brackett, Time, 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • During turndown, housekeepers leave artisanal soap and sachets of lavender instead of the standard chocolates on the pillow.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Mar. 2026
  • The union represents about 1,700 workers at Northwestern Memorial, including dietary workers, housekeepers and patient care technicians, among others.
    Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • But the laser singes her brain.
    Diana Arterian, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2025
  • At one point, Paul improvises a blowtorch and singes Carey’s face, leaving his peepers hairless.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Nikki Glaser quickly and delightfully sears the crowd.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • All guests are expected to have candles since the priest lights a fire and then spreads it to all in attendance.
    Anna Halkidis, Parents, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Your perspective expands quickly as the nurturing Moon lights your 9th House of Exploration, inviting ideas that refresh stuck viewpoints.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 14 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chars.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chars. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.

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