sear 1 of 2

verb

ˈsir How to pronounce sear (audio)
Definition of searnext
1
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

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2
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
Sit outside on the patio overlooking the pool and enjoy the delicious Cal-Pacific cooking, like the bulgogi burger with umami fries, bibimbap bowl and seared salmon with shimeji mushrooms in a coconut-lemongrass broth. — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 21 Sep. 2026 Isaac del Toro, 22, Mexico Del Toro looked sensational en route to winning the Montreal Grand Prix on Sunday — floating his way into the leading pack, following the decisive move from Paul Seixas, and then searing away in the two-up sprint. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 16 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
  1. char
  2. dry
  3. burn
  4. scorch
  5. scar
  6. scald
  7. harm
  8. hurt
Verb
  • Sweet, savory, and charred at the edges, bulgogi makes a compelling case for keeping dinner simple.
    — Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Brush the ribs with the cola barbecue sauce on both sides and grill or broil for 10 minutes, flipping once, until charred on each side.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of char
Verb
  • Cutting boards and drying racks vary by brand, so check what comes in the box and what fits later.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Product marketing plays up the same idea, pitching double-bowl designs such as the 33-inch Ruvati workstation for multitaskers who want one spot for washing veggies and drying dishes.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of dry
Noun
  • Thanks to its premium plant-wax blend and 100 percent natural-fiber wick, the best-selling candle burns cleanly and evenly for up to 150 hours.
    — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Even if that accident causes serious burns on her body just before showtime.
    — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of burn
Verb
  • Check between presses to avoid overheating or scorching the fabric.
    — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Keep in mind that heat still radiates from the bulb, so the lamp should sit on a stable surface away from paper, fabric or anything else that could scorch.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of scorch
Noun
  • Sanitation crews are also working to clear debris and shore up burn scar areas to mitigate flood risks, Mayor Karen Bass’ office said in a statement.
    — Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
  • C’mon, isn’t the prospect of a scar on your nose another good reason to reach for sunscreen daily?
    — Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of scar
Noun
  • 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
  • An autopsy revealed Gocaj’s cause of death as a combination of scald burns with inhalational thermal injury and blunt force trauma of the torso.
    — Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 17 July 2026
Definition of scald
Noun
  • Rodriguez attributes her child’s death to the addictive nature of social media and the harms her daughter confronted on those platforms.
    — Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Sympathize with those who have been harmed, and who were damaged by that harm.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of harm
Noun
  • But your grandmother was adamantly more than her hurts, more than her fear.
    — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 29 Sep. 2026
  • This year, spooky season might feel legitimately haunted by the ghosts of hurts, betrayals, and resentments past.
    — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of hurt

Browse Nearby Words

seaquakes
sear
search
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sear. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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