as in boiling
having a notably high temperature
the air conditioning was broken, and it was sweltering in the office
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 sweltering
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Apr. 2026
The Duchess of Sussex’s pair featured subtle cut-outs that boost airflow — an unexpected detail that helps keep feet cool on sweltering days — along with an easy slip-on design that’s great for anyone on the go (or those who don't want to bend down).
—Taylor Jean Stephan, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
The story switches between the present day and 1990s Camden, at the height of Cool Britannia and begins in the sweltering summer of 1995 as a man buries a body during a violent storm.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2026
Farmers are accustomed to dealing with sweltering temperatures and dry conditions in the summer, but not this early in the year.
—Tristan Bove, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sweltering
Adjective
Was the entire world a sweltering sauna back then?
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Apr. 2026
The Duchess of Sussex’s pair featured subtle cut-outs that boost airflow — an unexpected detail that helps keep feet cool on sweltering days — along with an easy slip-on design that’s great for anyone on the go (or those who don't want to bend down).
—Taylor Jean Stephan, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
The story switches between the present day and 1990s Camden, at the height of Cool Britannia and begins in the sweltering summer of 1995 as a man buries a body during a violent storm.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2026
Farmers are accustomed to dealing with sweltering temperatures and dry conditions in the summer, but not this early in the year.
—Tristan Bove, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sweltering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sweltering
Adjective
-
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
Verb
-
Visit in late spring or fall for pleasant weather; summer can get scorching, especially come midday.—
Stephanie Vermillion,
Travel + Leisure,
17 May 2026
-
Video posted to social media shows the wildfire scorching trees and structures along Highway 61.—
Cole Premo,
CBS News,
16 May 2026
Adjective
-
Oscar had shown me pages of this searing fiction periodically.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 May 2026
-
While ferocious heat dominates the region for much of the year, the Sky Islands remain cool thanks to their high elevation, providing the perfect escape from the searing weather below.—
Cu Fleshman,
Travel + Leisure,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
The tiered skirt adds visual interest while also concealing my lower stomach, and the fabric was breathable enough to keep me from melting during an outdoor ceremony in humid Iowa weather — no easy feat!—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
15 May 2026
-
The Homestead Crater was formed around 10,000 years ago when melting snow from the nearby Wasatch Mountains seeped into the ground.—
Talia Avakian,
Travel + Leisure,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
And, if possible, make out with other hot transsexuals on your way.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 May 2026
-
Fans attending games will also be subject to the urban heat island effect, when major cities become significantly hotter than nearby rural areas.—
Elias Burke,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
Verb
-
The planet’s surface is broiling at about 460 degrees Celsius (860 degrees Fahrenheit), about double the temperature required to melt pure tin.—
Emma Gometz,
Scientific American,
10 May 2026
-
Avoid broiling delicate greens or dishes with fresh herbs, which will easily char under the heat.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
19 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
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
-
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
-
No Anglophone author channels molten rage with her level of skill.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 May 2026
-
Part of the building process is called megacasting, a technique that converts molten aluminum into one lightweight piece.—
Kristin Shaw,
ArsTechnica,
20 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sweltering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sweltering. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
