SEAR Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

sear 1 of 2

verb

ˈsir

Definition of sear

as in to char

to burn on the surface lightly sear the steaks, but don't cook them all the way through

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to dry

to make dry the clear desert air is seared by the summer sun

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sear

2 of 2

noun

as in burn

Related Words

Dissimilar 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 sear

Verb

Sit outside on the patio overlooking the pool and enjoy the delicious Cal-Pacific cooking, like the bulgogi burger with umami fries, bibimbap bowl and seared salmon with shimeji mushrooms in a coconut-lemongrass broth. — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 21 Sep. 2026 Isaac del Toro, 22, Mexico Del Toro looked sensational en route to winning the Montreal Grand Prix on Sunday — floating his way into the leading pack, following the decisive move from Paul Seixas, and then searing away in the two-up sprint. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Noun

My friends are just happy to gather; no one is scrutinizing the sear on the scallops or the cook on the pasta. — Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026 Plus, the grill includes a warming rack, a dedicated sear zone, and an infrared rotisserie burner. — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sear

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sear

Verb

Bangkok Kunsthalle, in Chinatown, opened in 2024 in a former academic publishing house that was ravaged by a fire 25 years ago; the mazelike interior, some of it still charred, is a surprisingly compelling stage for art.

— Tony Perrottet, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
But the Track Fire had interrupted this picturesque scene, charring the thick tree trunks that peppered the canyon wall in New Mexico.

— Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of char

Verb

Try a cider flight to experience several of Seminary Hill’s delicate and impressive ciders which range from semi-dry to dry and from still to sparkling.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
That blue reflection, the tiger stripes on black that is wet, always wet, like a recollection that never dries, a memory of the sea.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of dry

Noun

This is not an idle burn, as the movie itself deals with Zuckerberg’s longstanding reluctance to fact-check political ads on Meta‘s platforms.

— Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026
Prosecutors said Siedlecki’s husband and the child’s father, Hussein Ali Abughazaleh, placed Jannah in a bath with dangerously hot water, causing severe burns over more than 30 percent of her body.

— Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of burn

Noun

Sanitation crews are also working to clear debris and shore up burn scar areas to mitigate flood risks, Mayor Karen Bass’ office said in a statement.

— Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
C’mon, isn’t the prospect of a scar on your nose another good reason to reach for sunscreen daily?

— Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of scar

Noun

If a peace lily’s leaves turn brown, this may be sun scald due to too much sun.

— Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2026
An autopsy revealed Gocaj’s cause of death as a combination of scald burns with inhalational thermal injury and blunt force trauma of the torso.

— Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 17 July 2026

Definition of scald

Noun

El Sayed acknowledged that both Israel and Iran could cause harm but refused twice to rank one as the greater threat.

— Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026
Duhamel and Asprey also discussed the FDA’s black box warning on testosterone, which has been in place since the 1970s and signals that a drug could cause serious harm.

— Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of harm

Browse Nearby Words

seaquakes

sear

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Style

“Sear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sear. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of sear

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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