SEAR Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

sear 1 of 2

verb

ˈsir

Definition of sear

as in to char

to burn on the surface lightly sear the steaks, but don't cook them all the way through

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to dry

to make dry the clear desert air is seared by the summer sun

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sear

2 of 2

noun

as in burn

Related Words

Dissimilar 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 sear

Verb

Maker’s expanded its lineup with the Wood Finishing Series in 2019, releasing a series of bourbons given unique stave finishes over the ensuing years using different types of wood that are seared to different levels. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 11 Oct. 2026 Restaurant Au Goût du Large serves up fresh seafood like seared scallops, mussels, and the classic fish and chips. — Maryam Siddiqi, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2026

Noun

My friends are just happy to gather; no one is scrutinizing the sear on the scallops or the cook on the pasta. — Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026 Plus, the grill includes a warming rack, a dedicated sear zone, and an infrared rotisserie burner. — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sear

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sear

Verb

Police on Tuesday arrested a suspect in the arson attack that charred the historic city hall in Limoges, in central France, Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said, adding that the person may not have acted alone.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026
Char on all sides for 5 to 8 minutes, rotating as each side gets charred.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of char

Verb

For about five days, the murres rotate between the drying pens — which blow warm air on the birds — and 80-degree pools of water inside the clinic.

— Stephanie Zappelli, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Tyrese Haliburton needed the towel draped around his neck to dry the tears streaming down his cheeks.

— Peter Finney Jr, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of dry

Noun

After deploying its payloads, Zhuque’s upper stage performed a burn to slow its velocity and drop out of orbit.

— Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 19 Oct. 2026
After first-stage separation, the upper stage will perform the burns needed to send MMX toward Mars.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of burn

Verb

The Norte fire — the most devastating blaze — scorched more than 570 acres in residential neighborhoods in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, damaging or destroying at least six homes.

— Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
That was the update last week at a meeting of the Venus Exploration Analysis Group (VEXAG), a confab of scientists whose research interests focus on the scorching world just sunward from Earth.

— Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of scorch

Noun

Like other firs, the needlelike leaves of the oyamel fir grow directly from the branch, and the needles’ bases, which are shaped like suction cups, leave conspicuous circular scars when the leaves fall.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026
More rain is expected across the Southland on Thursday, which could bring debris flows to local burn scars, the weather service said.

— Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of scar

Noun

Alcohol flows, rivalries scald, and humiliations pile up—a few prove transformative, while the rest are swallowed like medicine.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
If a peace lily’s leaves turn brown, this may be sun scald due to too much sun.

— Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of scald

Noun

Social media giant Meta was hit with a class action lawsuit in Australia on behalf of children and teenagers who allegedly suffered harm over the addictive design features and exposure to harmful content on its platforms Facebook and Instagram.

— Chad de Guzman, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
Ryan McMonigle, a spokesman for Kansas City’s public works department, told The Star that LAZ Parking, or Park KC staff more generally, issue tickets for reasons including social harm, unpaid parking and license plate violations.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of harm

Browse Nearby Words

seaquakes

sear

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Style

“Sear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sear. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of sear

verb

noun

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