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
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 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
-
This summer, on those super-boiling hot days, have your kids go outside.—
Parents,
Parents,
26 May 2026
-
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
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
-
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
-
Michter's stands out for its meticulous process, including air-drying oak barrels for up to 60 months and toasting them before charring, techniques that enhance flavor complexity.—
Mike Avila,
CBS News,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Wash the window as usual, but use a hose to rinse the window before drying.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
12 June 2026
-
If photos are covered in muddy water, gently rinsing them in clean water before drying may help prevent permanent damage.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
Some people drove or walked by, staring, and a video of the cross-burning gained traction online.—
Hallie Golden,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
Adjective
-
Nichols, 64, was sentenced to death for the brutal beating and rape of 20-year-old Karen Pulley.—
Kirsten Fiscus,
Nashville Tennessean,
11 Dec. 2025
-
Bianchi and the others were marched up the peninsula to POW camps in the north under brutal conditions in a 65-mile trek infamously known as the Bataan Death March.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
11 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
On May 21, 2006, flames leaped 140 feet above Boise’s Hill Road, scorching the paint across 15th Street and gutting the empty Villa Highlands Luxury Retirement Community at the base of the Foothills.—
Mark Dee
June 11,
Idaho Statesman,
11 June 2026
-
Day 1 of the FIFA Fan Fest at Lemon Hill brought excitement, cheers and thousands of people from all over the world who braved scorching heat to celebrate soccer and Philadelphia.—
Dan Snyder,
CBS News,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
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 17 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
