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

Tender ribeye steaks are cubed, then seared in smoky bacon drippings until golden brown and juicy with a medium doneness on the inside. — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 28 June 2026 The fish is seared in the pan, then removed to make way for a saucy saute of onion, garlic, sweet and hot peppers, and tomatoes that is flavored with wine, olives, capers and thyme. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2026

Noun

That plancha, which is heated at high temperatures to sear, gets a workout in the small kitchen. — Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 2 Apr. 2026 Police found a sear switch that was capable of holding 24 rounds; five of the shell casings recovered on the scene were found to have been fired from the gun. — Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for sear

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sear

Verb

That second blaze burned charred 23,500 acres in that community, Malibu and elsewhere, killing 12 people and destroying or damaging more than 7,500 homes and businesses.

— Sierra Van Der Brug, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2026
The scene was not secured for days after it had already been charred, raising the possibility that critical evidence was compromised or destroyed.

— Madeline Morrison, NBC news, 25 June 2026

Definition of char

Verb

Before choosing a whitening method, check the care label for guidance on water temperature, safe cleaning agents, and recommended drying methods.

— Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
Keep a handful near your washing machine or drying rack for blouses, dresses, workout wear, or delicate pieces that should skip the dryer.

— Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 2026

Definition of dry

Noun

He was severely injured in the strike that killed his father at the start of the war, according to three people with knowledge of the matter, with burns to his face and body and wounds that have required several operations on one of his legs.

— Marc Smith, NBC news, 6 July 2026
Most children received burns and some were injured on their hands or eyes.

— Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 6 July 2026

Definition of burn

Noun

Although Chicago had its issues with redlining and massive disinvestment that left generational scars on some primarily Black neighborhoods, the small town ethos held little sway over me.

— Dawn M. Turner, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Adding these impacts to the early Earth’s heat budget, though, proved rather challenging because Earth has a peculiar way of healing its scars.

— Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 5 July 2026

Definition of scar

Noun

Depending on the species and the part of the animals’ bodies that are affected, the disease is sometimes known as rain scald or rain rot, grease heal, and strawberry foot rot.

— Helen Branswell, STAT, 11 May 2026
Place one-half cup cream in a sauce pot and bring up to a scald.

— Kathryn Gregory, Louisville Courier Journal, 23 Jan. 2026

Definition of scald

Noun

And certain combinations of drugs may also increase the risk of harm.

— Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Using chemical-laden sprays and repellents isn't always a desirable way to deal with these insect pests, and the use of chemical pesticides can cause harm to wildlife and kill beneficial pollinators.

— The Spruce, The Spruce, 2 July 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of sear

verb

noun

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