stew 1 of 2

noun

ˈstü How to pronounce stew (audio)
Definition of stewnext
1
as in huff
a state of nervous or irritated concern many in town are in a stew about the proposed plan to close at least one of the elementary schools

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2
as in stir
a state of noisy, confused activity the audience went into a stew when the evacuation order was announced

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3
as in medley
an unorganized collection or mixture of various things the documentary looks at the stew of conspiracy theories inspired by the assassination

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4
as in brothel
a building in which prostitutes are available a red-light district full of down and dirty stews

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stew

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to boil
to cook in a liquid heated to the point that it gives off steam stew the chicken till tender, and then remove the meat from the bones

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2
as in to worry
to experience concern or anxiety stop stewing over that game and just try to do better next time

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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 stew
Noun
In the eeriness of quietude and gossamer sound, Atkinson invites us to stew, and then break free. — Vanessa Ague, Pitchfork, 26 June 2026 Freezing is best when using your onions for cooked dishes like soups, stews, sautés, or stir-fries, as the texture will soften after thawing. — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 26 June 2026
Verb
Something about her kept stewing in my head. — Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 1 June 2026 Without the feel-good story of a Cal Ripken to turn things around, NHL owners simply stewed. — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for stew
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stew
  1. huff
  2. stir
  3. medley
  4. brothel
  5. boil
  6. worry
  7. sweat
  8. commotion
Noun
  • Devers walked back to the dugout in a huff.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026
  • Not everyone feels the same way, however, and some progressive parents and staff are in a huff.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2026
Definition of huff
Noun
  • Among them was a Washington, DC, think tank, which recently caused a stir with a report proposing to cap annual Social Security benefits at $100,000 to shore up the retirement trust fund.
    — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • The red card, a penalty action that serves as one of soccer's most recognizable symbols, has caused quite a stir at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
    — Mason Leib, ABC News, 6 July 2026
Definition of stir
Noun
  • This recipe is the perfect medley of onion dip and cucumber salad that is better than store-bought.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 8 July 2026
  • And for more of a medley, consider three different colorways to line a midcentury-modern lap pool.
    — Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 30 June 2026
Definition of medley
Noun
  • Days later, she was taken to a brothel to service up to 30 clients per day.
    — Michael Rios, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
  • Though at least one of his movies was a success, John eventually left the industry to work as a greeter for a brothel in Nevada.
    — Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 28 June 2026
Definition of brothel
Verb
  • The river dropped 60 feet between boulders in a series of falls and continued downstream in a dangerous half mile of holes and boils.
    — John Todd, Outdoor Life, 9 July 2026
  • The only cooking required here is boiling the shrimp for a few minutes and toasting the buns.
    — Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 8 July 2026
Definition of boil
Verb
  • The shadow of the war will loom over the upcoming midterm elections in November – something Republicans have privately been worrying about for months amid growing voter discontent over the war.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 9 July 2026
  • The idea has sparked debate, the sources said, with some officials worried that a pause would set back the department’s efforts to hire more police officers and replenish its dwindling ranks.
    — Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Definition of worry
Noun
  • Unlike denim or Bermuda shorts, the style helps keep sweat at bay.
    — Kelsey Stewart, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026
  • At Dover Street Market’s Rose Bakery in Paris on day four of Men’s Fashion Week, around 40 runners arrived for breakfast, drenched in sweat.
    — Grace Cook, Vogue, 7 July 2026
Definition of sweat
Noun
  • Another trip to Uptown on May 20-21, 1977, causing police to shut Lawrence Avenue down in both directions due to such commotion outside the Aragon Ballroom entrance.
    — Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
  • Hassan was livid on the touchline and was seen making a cross gesture with his arms during all the commotion, a symbol introduced by FIFA for managers to alert the referees of a racist incident.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
Definition of commotion

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stevedores
stew
steward
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Cite this Entry

“Stew.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stew. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on stew

Nglish: Translation of stew for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stew

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