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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of searing
Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 4 June 2026
This searing investigation not only reveals how the plight began but also explores its fallout.
—James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 4 June 2026
Kansas City Star, 11 Mar. 2026
Quantified with power meters and stopwatches, every lung-searing effort was an imposition of my will on not just my body, but the world.
—James Hibbard, Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for searing
Adjective
Though Boys sometimes sees Watt take searing leads reminiscent of McCartney’s ’60s and ’70s guitar foils, like George Harrison, just as often, McCartney is playing almost everything himself.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 4 June 2026
This searing investigation not only reveals how the plight began but also explores its fallout.
—James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 4 June 2026
Verb
Having a couple of spatulas on hand — one silicone, one metal — covers the full range of cooking tasks, from delicate eggs in a nonstick pan to searing burgers on cast iron.
—Kansas City Star, 11 Mar. 2026
Quantified with power meters and stopwatches, every lung-searing effort was an imposition of my will on not just my body, but the world.
—James Hibbard, Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 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
-
Ikutiminu, who will attend UC Irvine in the fall, even spoke with musicians about how to create a sound that would be less harsh than the vuvuzela.—
Kenny Choi,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
-
Without toxic acids Tripathi’s breakthrough eliminates the harsh chemicals.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
11 June 2026
Verb
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Rather than charring corn on the grill, this recipe calls for wrapping the cobs in foil packets and cooking them on the grill.—
Victoria Spencer,
Martha Stewart,
22 May 2026
-
Unexpectedly high degrees of charring on Orion's heat shield during that mission led engineers to alter the spacecraft's course to prevent a recurrence on Artemis 2, but, as is anything untested in space, there is always risk involved.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
18 May 2026
Verb
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Available in red or navy, the sandals are adjustable for comfort with quick-drying straps so water isn't an issue, and the sole was crafted to grip river rocks so slipping is never an issue.—
Kelsey Legg,
ABC News,
9 June 2026
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Or, dry towels on an outdoor clothesline or drying rack.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
7 June 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
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Higher-level inmates gorge themselves; those below face starvation, suicide or cannibalism – a brutal metaphor for the world’s food chain.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
12 June 2026
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The president’s instinct to go for the jugular was on display in his first campaign, when he was written off early on as an entertainer but found success with brutal takedowns.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
12 June 2026
Verb
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Fans see scorching numbers at Triple-A Albuquerque and clamor for promotions.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
7 June 2026
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Luckily for England, Kane was scorching hot in 2025-26, scoring 61 goals for Bayern Munich across all competitions.—
Justin Birnbaum,
Sportico.com,
4 June 2026
Adjective
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Volunteers cook a hot breakfast for up to 250 people each Monday, Wednesday and Saturday morning.—
Sharon Chin,
CBS News,
11 June 2026
-
The Spurs came out hot for the second consecutive game Wednesday, racing to a 41-22 lead by the end of the first quarter.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Searing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/searing. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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