1
as in boiling
having a notably high temperature
the scalding water of a geyser
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in satiric
marked by the use of wit that is intended to cause hurt feelings
scalding reviews for the overproduced horror movie
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in lacerating
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in scorching
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in simmering
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 scalding
Tim Prudente, baltimoresun.com, 26 Aug. 2019
And in 2017, a Manhattan man, 69, ended up in a hospital burn unit with second-degree burns over his entire back, groin, calves and feet; he had been placed in a scalding tub or shower.
—Benjamin Weiser, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2020
But the Nets bench called timeout with 1.4 seconds left, giving them a chance to get the ball to the scalding-hot LeVert.
—Adam Himmelsbach, BostonGlobe.com, 4 Mar. 2020
The ground in hydrothermal areas is fragile and thin and there is scalding water just below the surface, park officials said.
—Washington Post, 9 Jan. 2020
See All Example Sentences for scalding
Adjective
Two weeks ago, family and friends laid to rest Malachi Lawson, the 4-year-old who was burned in a scalding bath, his body then tossed in a dumpster.
—Tim Prudente, baltimoresun.com, 26 Aug. 2019
And in 2017, a Manhattan man, 69, ended up in a hospital burn unit with second-degree burns over his entire back, groin, calves and feet; he had been placed in a scalding tub or shower.
—Benjamin Weiser, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2020
But the Nets bench called timeout with 1.4 seconds left, giving them a chance to get the ball to the scalding-hot LeVert.
—Adam Himmelsbach, BostonGlobe.com, 4 Mar. 2020
The ground in hydrothermal areas is fragile and thin and there is scalding water just below the surface, park officials said.
—Washington Post, 9 Jan. 2020
See All Example Sentences for scalding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scalding
Adjective
-
One idea is that about a million years after the Big Bang, the universe cooled and underwent a phase transition, an event similar to how boiling water turns liquid into gas.—
Yasemin Saplakoglu,
Scientific American,
3 Mar. 2020
-
If candy is still stuck on, pour more boiling water over whatever hasn’t come clean.—
Washington Post,
Washington Post,
3 Dec. 2019
Adjective
-
Neither damning nor satiric, W. is oddly wistful, almost regretful — rare sentiments in a Stone film.—
Will Leitch,
Vulture,
17 Feb. 2025
-
All Systems Red is a legible introduction to Wells’ hyper-capitalist, playfully satiric galaxy.—
Rory Doherty,
Time,
16 May 2025
Verb
-
Stray animals are also at risk of suffering from heat exhaustion during scorching summers.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
Newsweek,
2 Jan. 2025
-
Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently to avoid scorching the milk.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
28 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
What emerged was a picture of active resistance, simmering anger and readiness for battle, if and when the time comes.—
Will Carless,
USA TODAY,
5 Jan. 2025
-
Continue simmering for about three minutes.—
Michiko Tomioka, Contributor,
CNBC,
5 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Peña said that because the physical changes to the third floor will be minimal, the new flea market should be open in the next couple of weeks — just in time to avoid Miami’s searing summer heat and sudden thunderstorms.—
Connie Ogle,
Miami Herald,
21 May 2025
-
Pyroclastic clouds, or a dense mixture of ash, gas and rock dispersed during a volcanic eruption, caused a searing, rapid avalanche of debris to fill the home, Zuchtriegel said.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
17 May 2025
Adjective
-
Nine states have assault weapons bans in place, as gun control has become a hot topic at the Supreme Court.—
Danielle Chemtob,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
-
Cannas like the summer heat and humidity and do just fine without watering except in really hot areas like southern Florida.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
3 June 2025
Adjective
-
Still, Ernst shared a sarcastic apology video after facing criticism from Democrats over her response to the town hall attendees' concerns.—
Savannah Kuchar,
USA Today,
2 June 2025
-
The vibe, never exactly cheerful, and never leavened by a hint of even the most sarcastic sense of humor, takes a turn for the horrific one evening in the wake of the bawdy revels celebrating Tomek’s wedding.—
Jessica Kiang,
Variety,
30 May 2025
Verb
-
Homages to the Bethesda games’ slow-motion kills are aplenty, with gratuitous shots of bullets tearing through bodies and painting the walls red.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
24 Dec. 2024
-
Higbee was on the physically unable to perform list after tearing his back ACL and MCL last postseason.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
22 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Scalding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scalding. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share