1
as in boiling
having a notably high temperature
the scalding water of a geyser
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in satiric
marked by the use of wit that is intended to cause hurt feelings
scalding reviews for the overproduced horror movie
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in lacerating
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
2
as in scorching
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
3
as in simmering
Related 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 scalding
Paul L. Underwood, New York Times, 17 Apr. 2020
But the Nets bench called timeout with 1.4 seconds left, giving them a chance to get the ball to the scalding-hot LeVert.
—Adam Himmelsbach, BostonGlobe.com, 4 Mar. 2020
But Reimann achieves an exemplary balance by alternating his scalding eruptions of vocal power (which in general are sparsely accompanied, sometimes by percussion alone) with full-throttle tutti blasts from the orchestra.
—Matthew Aucoin, The New York Review of Books, 7 Dec. 2019
Two weeks ago, family and friends laid to rest Malachi Lawson, the 4-year-old who was burned in a scalding bath, his body then tossed in a dumpster.
—Tim Prudente, baltimoresun.com, 26 Aug. 2019
See All Example Sentences for scalding
Adjective
Experts generally agree on the same basic steps to reduce risks in your house:
Set your water heater no higher than 120 degrees to prevent scalding.
—Paul L. Underwood, New York Times, 17 Apr. 2020
But the Nets bench called timeout with 1.4 seconds left, giving them a chance to get the ball to the scalding-hot LeVert.
—Adam Himmelsbach, BostonGlobe.com, 4 Mar. 2020
But Reimann achieves an exemplary balance by alternating his scalding eruptions of vocal power (which in general are sparsely accompanied, sometimes by percussion alone) with full-throttle tutti blasts from the orchestra.
—Matthew Aucoin, The New York Review of Books, 7 Dec. 2019
Two weeks ago, family and friends laid to rest Malachi Lawson, the 4-year-old who was burned in a scalding bath, his body then tossed in a dumpster.
—Tim Prudente, baltimoresun.com, 26 Aug. 2019
See All Example Sentences for scalding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scalding
Adjective
-
More humane methods of killing lobsters pre-boiling include a sharp knife through the head, electrical stunning, or freezing.—
semafor.com,
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
Adjective
-
As journalism scholar Paul Alonso writes, looking at two cases from South America, sometimes satirical media takes up the slack.—
Livia Gershon,
JSTOR Daily,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Since its premiere, the show has received critical acclaim for Smart and Einbender’s performances, as well as its satirical look at the ins and outs of show business.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The songs are at times over-the-top, at others lacerating in their introspection about everything from the anxiety of aging to the anguished choice to terminate a pregnancy.—
Adam Bradley Luis Alberto Rodriguez Carlos Nazario,
New York Times,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
However, it must be shielded from scorching sun.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
28 Mar. 2026
-
That series sent her through icy Arctic conditions, dense jungles, and scorching deserts — all within one calendar year, across multiple continents.—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Drop the bag right into simmering water.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
31 Mar. 2026
-
There is so much strategy simmering in every inhale before the action.—
Hannah Keyser,
CNN Money,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
But as Lumpkin sat at the defense table, the victim’s family delivered searing statements that undercut her long-standing claims of abuse, portraying her instead as a calculating, coldblooded killer.—
Pamela Colloff,
ProPublica,
24 Mar. 2026
-
There are no national – or local – media outlets setting up for live broadcasts on this searing hot afternoon.—
Celina Tebor,
CNN Money,
19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
James then scrunched his face into a sarcastic, close-eyed smile.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Brendon was a fan favorite among the cast for his loyalty to his friends and sarcastic sense of humor.—
Jack Dunn,
Variety,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Saturday’s second episode, for which ratings dipped slightly, featured a cold open roasting the former Prince Andrew and was ably steered by host Jamie Dornan, who appeared in sketches including a horror comedy about Jools Holland.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
30 Mar. 2026
-
This is especially helpful when roasting root vegetables.—
Cathy Thomas,
Oc Register,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Scalding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scalding. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
