Synonyms of scorch

scorch

verb

ˈskȯrch 

1

as in to char

to burn on the surface

the picnickers kept scorching their marshmallows, deliberately sticking their skewers into the licking flames of the campfire

Synonyms & Similar Words

• char
• singe
• bake
• sear
• light
• ignite
• fire
• incinerate
• inflame
• kindle
• scald
• cremate
• scathe

2

as in to dry

to make dry

weeks of drought had badly scorched the soil

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dry
• parch
• bake
• sear
• desiccate
• dehydrate
• drain
• evaporate
• shrivel
• dehumidify
• wither
• air-dry
• mummify
• wizen

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• wash
• wet
• water
• saturate
• flood
• drown
• soak
• bathe
• hydrate
• douse
• inundate
• drench
• overflow
• damp
• dampen
• moisten
• waterlog
• deluge
• sop
• submerge
• dip
• swamp
• souse
• humidify
• rehydrate
• dunk

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of scorch

Thousands of acres have been scorched by wildfires with recent states of emergency declared due to extreme heat and dry conditions, according to the Associated Press. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 11 July 2026

The fire so far has scorched some 25 square miles of forest and farmland, an area about the size of Manhattan. — Sergio Rodrigo, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026

The sun will continue to scorch thousands of fans sitting in the east side of the stadium. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026

Overtourism In Europe Is Changing Neighborhoods Despite searing heat, scorching wildfires and overcrowding, visitors keep on coming to Europe, with the biggest burden falling on southern Europe to accommodate them. — Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026