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

The big American studios and streamers were out in force this week by the French lakeside and in the searing heat. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 26 June 2026 Split the links lengthwise before searing to maximize crispy edges. — Joe Sevier, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 June 2026

Noun

Gas stoves are particularly bad offenders, but even electric stoves release particles into the air when food sizzles, sears, or smokes. — Angela Haupt, Time, 3 June 2026 The Flagship burns low and slow down to 170 degrees Fahrenheit or as hot as 700 degrees for those who want to burn pellets to get a good sear. — Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 17 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for sear

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sear

Verb

Large sections of the ceiling were destroyed, blackened and charred, while the floor and tables below, some still with beer bottles on them, were blanketed in ash and debris.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 July 2026
Pictures shared on social media after the fire was extinguished showed chairs and tables inside the pub completely charred and blackened, with parts of the ceiling peeling off.

— Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 12 July 2026

Definition of char

Verb

Made from a quick-drying, breathable nylon fabric, these pants wick away sweat on a stuffy airplane or long hike.

— Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026
The toxins in the fungi, called amatoxins, cannot be removed by boiling, cooking or drying the mushrooms, and can result in liver failure and death if consumed.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026

Definition of dry

Noun

The burn area covers more than 35,601 acres, according to InciWeb, the national incident information system for wildfires.

— Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 13 July 2026
For Flight 13, Super Heavy's main objectives will be the successful launch and separation from the Ship upper stage, a complete boostback burn and a soft splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico.

— Josh Dinner, Space.com, 13 July 2026

Definition of burn

Noun

Sun exposure can darken new scars permanently and slow their healing, so Min recommended keeping them covered as much as possible.

— Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 13 July 2026
Due to flooding risks heightened by the Claremont Fire’s burn scar, the National Weather Service is closely monitoring conditions of the Freestone Creek Basin near the Military Reserve.

— Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 13 July 2026

Definition of scar

Noun

Depending on the species and the part of the animals’ bodies that are affected, the disease is sometimes known as rain scald or rain rot, grease heal, and strawberry foot rot.

— Helen Branswell, STAT, 11 May 2026
Place one-half cup cream in a sauce pot and bring up to a scald.

— Kathryn Gregory, Louisville Courier Journal, 23 Jan. 2026

Definition of scald

Noun

Norway’s 2-1 defeat by England in the World Cup quarter-final hurt — as did the dead leg that cut short his involvement in extra time — but even by this stage on Sunday evening, his overriding emotion was pride.

— Oliver Kay, New York Times, 12 July 2026
But the dangerous downside, of course, is that people without licenses, especially children, could potentially do this and put themselves or others in a world of hurt.

— Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 5 July 2026

Definition of hurt

Browse Nearby Words

seaquakes

sear

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Sear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sear. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of sear

verb

noun

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