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
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
2
as in scorching
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
3
as in simmering
Related 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
Paul L. Underwood, New York Times, 17 Apr. 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
But Reimann achieves an exemplary balance by alternating his scalding eruptions of vocal power (which in general are sparsely accompanied, sometimes by percussion alone) with full-throttle tutti blasts from the orchestra.
—Matthew Aucoin, The New York Review of Books, 7 Dec. 2019
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
See All Example Sentences for scalding
Adjective
Experts generally agree on the same basic steps to reduce risks in your house:
Set your water heater no higher than 120 degrees to prevent scalding.
—Paul L. Underwood, New York Times, 17 Apr. 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
But Reimann achieves an exemplary balance by alternating his scalding eruptions of vocal power (which in general are sparsely accompanied, sometimes by percussion alone) with full-throttle tutti blasts from the orchestra.
—Matthew Aucoin, The New York Review of Books, 7 Dec. 2019
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
See All Example Sentences for scalding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scalding
Adjective
-
More humane methods of killing lobsters pre-boiling include a sharp knife through the head, electrical stunning, or freezing.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
29 Dec. 2025
-
Agrawal and her team studied ionic liquids — salts that are liquid at sub-boiling temperatures (below 212 degrees Fahrenheit, or 100 degrees Celsius) — as a potential hospitable environment for life.—
Stefanie Waldek,
Space.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Advertisement How the shooting unfolded The WHCA dinner is an annual event for White House staff and the press, typically featuring comedy and a satirical speech from the president.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Now, the 67-year-old is taking on Broadway in The Balusters, a satirical comedy written by David Lindsay-Abaire and directed by Kenny Leon.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The songs are at times over-the-top, at others lacerating in their introspection about everything from the anxiety of aging to the anguished choice to terminate a pregnancy.—
Adam Bradley Luis Alberto Rodriguez Carlos Nazario,
New York Times,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The Blazers could not hold on after building a 65-59 halftime lead, an edge built by shooting a scorching 10-of-21 from 3-point range.—
Christian Clark,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Wildfires are currently scorching acres of land in South Georgia and Northern Florida.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Fan groups and simmering frustrations For many Americans, the pomp and circumstance of the royals still holds allure.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The decision marks the latest escalation in a long-simmering feud between DeSantis and Perez, who has sought to assert the House’s independence after years in which lawmakers largely aligned with the governor’s priorities.—
Garrett Shanley,
Miami Herald,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Lightly coated with oil and tossed occasionally in a searing hot skillet or wok, even tough beans turn silky, and ready to coat in a finishing blast of chiles.—
The Bon Appétit Staff,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
1 May 2026
-
One of the most exciting restorations of this year, or any other year, comes to New York this Sunday, May 3rd, with a rare screening of Frank Perry’s searing and lyrical 1969 teen drama Last Summer at the Paris Theater.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Middle of Nowhere’s Kacey is witty, a bit sarcastic, alternately ecstatic and frustrated but always ready to entertain.—
Molly Mary O’Brien,
Pitchfork,
1 May 2026
-
According to a live feed from The New York Times, within minutes of the third day starting, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers had to reproach Musk, instructing him to stop being sarcastic and evasive.—
Ashley Belanger,
ArsTechnica,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Instead of roasting, the dehydrating preserves natural flavor and delivers Daily Crunch's signature Uniquely Crunchy bite.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Starbucks ended its fiscal 2025 with 14,000 employees working outside its cafes — ranging from corporate support to roasting and logistics roles.—
Paulina Likos,
CNBC,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Scalding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scalding. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
