Synonyms of sear

sear 1 of 2

verb

ˈsir 

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

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

2

as in to dry

to make dry

the clear desert air is seared by the summer sun

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

sear

2 of 2

noun

as in burn

Related Words

• burn
• scar
• scald
• harm
• hurt
• injury
• damage
• scathe
• mutilation
• crippling
• detriment
• beating
• disability
• lesion
• impairment
• mayhem
• disfigurement
• affliction
• rupture
• wound
• abrasion
• defacement
• swelling
• disablement
• scratch
• bruise
• contusion
• strain
• scrape
• chafe
• bump
• concussion
• boo-boo

Dissimilar Words

• recovery
• healing
• cure
• remedy
• fix

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of sear

Verb

For this classic treat, bananas are seared in a butter-brown sugar sauce, then topped with vanilla ice cream, which melts slightly from the warmth. — Victoria Spencer, Martha Stewart, 3 July 2026

After chilling overnight, the patties are seared on a flat top to medium-rare for a crispy, peppery crust and smoky, juicy interior. — Sam Flemming, AJC.com, 1 July 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