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

In the second half of the album Libertad blossoms into a masterpiece, with its sonic intensity and searing political messages balanced by playful production. — Vanessa Diaz, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2026 For steak specifically, the recommendation is to use beef tallow right before searing to get a deep, flavorful crust that locks in juices and delivers a restaurant-quality finish. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 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

The interior of Backyard appeared charred beyond recognition on Monday as investigators swarmed the premises.

— Zoey Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 10 Nov. 2026
After they were extinguished, the entire upper floor was charred.

— Aziza Shuler, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of char

Verb

The neighboring second room has detergent vending machines, cushy chairs to make waiting for those socks to dry more pleasant, and a pair of tall tables ideal for folding clothes.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Nov. 2026
The agency urged residents to help prevent the virus from spreading by avoiding the transfer of fish between bodies of water and cleaning, draining and drying boats and fishing equipment after use.

— Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 12 Nov. 2026

Definition of dry

Noun

Its transparent appearance could also help researchers observe how fuel moves and burns.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026
Behind the scenes, Bass tangled with Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who represented the burn area, over messaging and communications.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of burn

Verb

Perilous jungles, scorching deserts and frozen tundra slowed him down, but bureaucratic holdups brought his adventure to a halt for long periods.

— Brian Melley, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
Perilous jungles, scorching deserts and frozen tundra slowed him down, but bureaucratic red tape often brought his adventure to a halt for long periods.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of scorch

Noun

Filming ‘Roar’ Filming her mother and stepfather’s passion project, Roar, left the young actress with a scar after she was slashed by a lioness on set.

— Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 6 Nov. 2026
So the county is now stepping in, or at least trying to, with its New Roots Eaton Canyon Pilot Program, to test the soil for those living in the burn scar.

— Joy Benedict, CBS News, 3 Nov. 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

As much as many of us want to see justice prevail for all the lies, corruption, inhumanity and retribution, Americans are hurting, and the focus should be on relieving that hurt.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 10 Nov. 2026
In the wake of Mike Norvell’s firing Sunday as FSU coach, interim coach Rick Stockstill will have to deal with a growing list of hurt players.

— Bob Ferrante, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of hurt

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 13 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of sear

verb

noun

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