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
Verb
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
-
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
Adjective
-
Mugs and satirical commemorative plates are some of the items that can be seen on display in a local gift shop.—
Callum Sutherland,
Time,
16 Sep. 2025
-
The 2025 South Korean satirical black comedy thriller is co-written, produced and directed by Park Chan-wook (Decision To Leave, Old Boy, The Handmaiden).—
Joan MacDonald,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The resulting scorching ash cloud reached as high as 16 miles into the atmosphere, darkening the sky and causing homes and businesses as far as 300 miles away to close.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
16 Sep. 2025
-
A’ja Wilson, incumbent MVP and leader of scorching Las Vegas, seeks the award for the fourth time in her career.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The ban fueled the frustration that was already simmering among the youth.—
Sonal Nain,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
-
They should be added early to simmering stews, soups, sauces, so time and heat can unlock their full potential.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
High-Heat-Safe Alternatives While enameled cast-iron cookware is excellent to use for braising, roasting, baking, or gentle stovetop cooking, certain high heat applications like searing steak or blackening fish are best done in other types of pans, like traditional cast iron or stainless steel.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
10 Sep. 2025
-
After all, Miami seemingly has stamina to withstand searing heat after practicing in it all summer, while the opponent typically comes to town ill-prepared for the oppressive temperatures and humidity.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Start by roasting the bones at 400ºF for about an hour in the oven or 15-20 minutes in an air fryer.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
2 Sep. 2025
-
While the bones are roasting, thinly slice the bread, brush lightly with olive oil, and arrange on a separate baking sheet.—
The Know,
Denver Post,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Needless to say, fans are steaming.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
-
At the other end, the Premier League is steaming beyond its peers; a super league in all but name.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
With the debates coming later this month, the campaign water is set to get hotter.—
Ross O'Keefe,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Significantly diseased leaves should be raked and removed from the area and disposed of properly, such as by burying, burning where allowed, or hot composting, according to UW-Madison.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
13 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Scalding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scalding. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share