sweltering

1 of 2

adjective

swel·​ter·​ing ˈswel-t(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce sweltering (audio)
Synonyms of swelteringnext
: oppressively hot
swelteringly adverb

sweltering

2 of 2

present participle of swelter entry 1

Synonyms of sweltering

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Adjective

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Examples of sweltering in a Sentence

Adjective the air conditioning was broken, and it was sweltering in the office
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Adjective
In 2003, the bodies of 19 migrants were found in a sweltering truck southeast of San Antonio. — Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026 Despite sweltering conditions, Oslon not only managed to win the race, but was only two minutes off the course record. — Daniel Varghese, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for sweltering

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1566, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sweltering was in 1566

Rhymes for sweltering

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Browse Nearby Words

swelter
sweltering
swelteringly
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Cite this Entry

“Sweltering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sweltering. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sweltering

adjective
swel·​ter·​ing
: very hot
swelteringly adverb
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