scald 1 of 2

noun

Definition of scaldnext
as in burn
a burn left on the skin that is caused by hot liquid or steam

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scald

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to bruise

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2
as in to scorch

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3
as in to simmer

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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 scald
Noun
This tent can double as a heat protector when summer temperatures soar into the 90s and the foliage and bark of many plants, especially tropicals, are susceptible to heat scald. — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 21 Nov. 2025 Applying a thin layer of lawn soil might help protect the green runners from sun scald but is probably not necessary. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2025
Verb
Since most of these scalding waters are too hot to swim in, the next best option is the Firehole Swim Area, located along the Firehole River and fed by thermal activity below the surface. — Talia Avakian, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2026 By comparison, 125 visitors have drowned and 23 have died from burns after falling into the park’s scalding hot springs. — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for scald
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scald
  1. burn
  2. bruise
  3. scorch
  4. simmer
  5. harm
  6. lacerate
  7. cook
  8. parboil
Noun
  • Thin the forest, remove deadwood, conduct prescribed burns, and there is simply less fuel available.
    — Phil De Luna, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Her thin Indian skirt caught fire searing her panty hose into her flesh, leaving her with third-degree burns over more than half her body.
    — Steve Wasserman, Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2026
Definition of burn
Verb
  • It was seen as a sure-fire way to burn bridges or at least bruise feelings between a club and its players.
    — Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 13 July 2026
  • Take two mint crowns, lightly bruise them with your fingers, and stick them against the inside close to the straw.
    — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 4 July 2026
Definition of bruise
Verb
  • Deadly wildfires scorched a record-breaking swath of the state.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
  • Since sunrise, the hillside has appeared scorched, with firefighters still working to extinguish the fire.
    — Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026
Definition of scorch
Verb
  • Ever since the Spaniard announced that a wrist injury would sideline him through the end of the clay-court season, and then through Wimbledon, the sport’s ever-simmering terror around them has threatened to boil over.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 30 July 2026
  • That simmering frustration has now collided with Blanche’s nomination to become attorney general after serving in the role on an acting basis.
    — Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 30 July 2026
Definition of simmer
Noun
  • Since the 1970s, the federal government has interpreted harm to include any actions that degrade a species’ habitat, given the necessity of habitat for a species’ survival.
    — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026
  • Veterans and their families can also sue the government for the harm under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022.
    — Nicole Borman, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
Definition of harm
Verb
  • Rubbing the injury causes more tissue damage as the ice crystals lacerate new cells.
    — Tim MacWelch, Outdoor Life, 15 July 2026
  • Two generations of viewers have now grown up consuming The Daily Show’s lacerating take on politics.
    — Chris Smith, Vanity Fair, 13 July 2026
Definition of lacerate
Verb
  • If grilling, cook the eggplants over direct medium heat until soft and charred on both sides, turning once or twice, 6 to 8 minutes.
    — Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 21 July 2026
  • Adulteration of premium cooking oils to maximize profits has been going on for decades, says Eric Decker, a food science professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst whose research focuses on fats and oils.
    — Maria Godoy, NPR, 21 July 2026
Definition of cook
Verb
  • Gnocchi and mushrooms roast without parboiling, then get finished with creamy ricotta and lemon to cut through the richness.
    — Monti Carlo, AJC.com, 18 Feb. 2026
  • For a simpler approach to preparing Brussels sprouts, skip parboiling and move straight to roasting.
    — Maddy Bendgen, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Nov. 2025
Definition of parboil

Browse Nearby Words

scalawags
scald
scalded
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Cite this Entry

“Scald.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scald. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on scald

Nglish: Translation of scald for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scald

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