sweltering

1 of 2

adjective

swel·​ter·​ing ˈswel-t(ə-)riŋ 

: oppressively hot

swelteringly adverb

sweltering

2 of 2

present participle of swelter entry 1

Synonyms of sweltering

Adjective

• boiling
• searing
• hot
• burning
• molten

Examples of sweltering in a Sentence

Adjective

the air conditioning was broken, and it was sweltering in the office

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The heat is sweltering, mosquitoes buzz around the apartment and routine tasks are a constant struggle. — Catherine Ellis, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026

With sweltering heat still lingering over Southern California, many social media users have started capturing an adorable phenomenon sweeping across the region's squirrel population — splooting. — Hunter Sowards, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026

Electric induction stovetops don’t create these sweltering conditions, Kashtan said. — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026

On a sweltering late-summer afternoon during Americanafest in Nashville, Rothman sat on the patio of Brown’s Diner — while Jeremy Ivey serenaded a crowd inside and played over the patio’s speakers — and explained how this project came to light. — Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 26 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1566, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sweltering

• sheltering
• weltering

Kids Definition

sweltering

adjective

swel·​ter·​ing

: very hot

swelteringly adverb