boil 1 of 2

as in blister
a small, inflamed swelling of the skin the dermatologist lanced the infected boil that had formed on the patient's neck

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boil

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to steam
to be excited or emotionally stirred up with anger the passengers were boiling when they found out the flight was delayed yet again

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2
as in to stew
to cook in a liquid heated to the point that it gives off steam boil the potatoes until they are tender before you try to mash them

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3
as in to churn
to be in a state of violent rolling motion the sea boiled and frothed during the storm

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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 boil
Noun
Gradually stir in milk or cream until simmering mixture boils and thickens. Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2025 People arrived in droves to purchase Woodruff’s seafood boil trays. Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
Verb
One of my favorite moments in the film is when Steve Carell’s character is plotting a worldwide coup while trying unsuccessfully to boil an egg. Alex Morris, Rolling Stone, 11 July 2025 Place in a pan with the reserved cooking liquid and reheat just until hot; do not let boil. Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for boil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for boil
Noun
  • Some key features include: high arches, supportive heel cups for improved balance, gel insoles that contour to each unique foot shape, and cushiony posts that don’t create blisters between the toes.
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2025
  • One reviewer with the latter confirmed that even after miles of walking, the shoes don’t rub or cause any blisters.
    Shalwah Evans, People.com, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • After the rice has steamed, fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains.
    Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 17 July 2025
  • There are several ways to prepare peas, including boiling, roasting, sautéing, microwaving, air frying, or steaming.
    Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Coming back to your earlier question, the creative direction is all those ingredients stewing together.
    Rob LeDonne, Vogue, 3 July 2025
  • Advertisement Advertisement Instead of stewing over the remark, reframe it as an opportunity for self-improvement, Ho advises.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Combined with extended plan commitments, these steps would reduce plans’ churn costs and encourage prevention investments.
    Dr. Ashwin Vasan, New York Daily News, 18 July 2025
  • But as with all NFL teams, the roster began to churn immediately after the season ended.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 17 July 2025
Noun
  • Folliculitis refers to the bacterial or fungal infection of the hair follicle that can lead to redness or pustules centered around the hair follicle.
    Audrey Noble, Vogue, 1 July 2025
  • Later in the growing season, rust pustules on the underside of the leaf can be orange and black.
    Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • In the end, the Houston criminal defense lawyer wrote in a moving post on social media, only the raging waters of the Guadalupe River could separate them.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 10 July 2025
  • Among them is Matthew Crowder, who rushed into the raging waters to rescue a sleeping family before dawn on July 4. Crowder, a manager at Texas Paintball, said he was headed to work around 3 a.m.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • Add the frozen vegetables, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 10 July 2025
  • But don’t let these deals simmer in your cart too long — popular products could sell out fast.
    Jeaneen Russell, People.com, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Gently swirl in toppings with a thin metal spatula or table knife.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 July 2025
  • Uncertainty has swirled at the lab since March, when the Trump administration’s plans to cut the EPA’s Office of Research and Development were first reported by the New York Times.
    Jimmy Lovrien, Twin Cities, 12 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Boil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boil. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

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