1
as in boiling
having a notably high temperature
in our air-conditioned office, we were oblivious to the searing heat outside
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in harsh
difficult to endure
the undersecretary looked chastened as he listened to the congressman's searing rebuke
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in drying
to make dry
the clear desert air is seared by the summer sun
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of searing
CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026
And what about the glorious costuming—not just the LBD, but the bow-laden hats, the off-duty denim, the perfect trench, the retina-searing orange coat, pink cocktail dress, et al?
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2026
Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Jan. 2026
Her stories are well-told, relevant and often searing, detailing an elementary-school teacher’s slight, a hometown swimming-pool reckoning and chauvinism from an Ivy League club.
—Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for searing
Adjective
The success of the entire mission, and the lives of his fellow warriors hinge on Eric's ability to take searing pain.
—CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026
And what about the glorious costuming—not just the LBD, but the bow-laden hats, the off-duty denim, the perfect trench, the retina-searing orange coat, pink cocktail dress, et al?
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
But searing also often results in oil that splatters all over the stovetop (and sometimes the surrounding counters, floor, appliances…and the cook).
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Jan. 2026
Her stories are well-told, relevant and often searing, detailing an elementary-school teacher’s slight, a hometown swimming-pool reckoning and chauvinism from an Ivy League club.
—Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for searing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for searing
Adjective
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More humane methods of killing lobsters pre-boiling include a sharp knife through the head, electrical stunning, or freezing.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
29 Dec. 2025
-
Agrawal and her team studied ionic liquids — salts that are liquid at sub-boiling temperatures (below 212 degrees Fahrenheit, or 100 degrees Celsius) — as a potential hospitable environment for life.—
Stefanie Waldek,
Space.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Engineers have long searched for efficient electric alternatives that can survive the harsh conditions inside industrial systems.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Mar. 2026
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Critics say the danger faced by agents whose names are made public is overblown, almost always limited to harsh and violent words lobbed from behind a laptop or phone screen.—
James Queally,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The extra step—charring the garlic, peppers, and onions—takes salsa to the next level.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
15 Feb. 2026
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During my inaugural visit, the kitchen’s Santa Maria grill served as a fiery altar, charring a litany of premium meats over an open flame.—
Carolyn Burt,
Oc Register,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Simplify your cooking time with milk frother wands, miniature bag sealers, vegetable choppers, collapsible drying racks, and more.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
10 Mar. 2026
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The brand has even included a convenient hanging hook to expedite the already quick-drying properties of this base layer in the event things get a little too wet and wild.—
Harry Spampinato,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Please tell me the sequel could answer the most burning question of the ’00s: How could Austin not recognize Sam in that mask?—
Stephanie McNeal,
Glamour,
13 Aug. 2025
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Cooper, 30, asked Hargitay one more burning question about the actors' on-screen alter egos: will Olivia and Elliot ever end up together?—
Victoria Edel,
People.com,
26 June 2025
Adjective
-
The Ayatollah ruled as a brutal dictator, killing and torturing his own people, imposing harsh restrictions on basic freedoms, and put the lives of our troops and global allies constantly at risk.—
Derek Tran,
Oc Register,
6 Mar. 2026
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Some shows would even include sound effects for a stabbing in a reenactment of a brutal murder.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In a region where weather swings from paralyzing ice storms to scorching summers, these elements carry weight.—
Mary Grace Granados
Special Contributor,
Dallas Morning News,
5 Mar. 2026
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How to Cope When spending time outdoors in scorching weather, protect yourself by hydrating frequently, avoiding the hottest time of day, and seeking shade when possible.—
Becky Upham,
EverydayHealth.com,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
In the West, the temperatures were sometimes blazing hot.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
5 Mar. 2026
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Housed in this new 62,000 square-foot store is a full-service carnicería, a Panadería, a salsa and seviche bar, and hot food counter that will serve prepared foods like tacos, burritos and other Mexican fare.—
Cecilio Padilla,
CBS News,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Searing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/searing. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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