boil 1 of 2

noun

Definition of boilnext
as in blister
a small, inflamed swelling of the skin the dermatologist lanced the infected boil that had formed on the patient's neck

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boil

2 of 2

verb

ˈbȯi(-ə)l How to pronounce boil (audio)
1
as in to steam
to be excited or emotionally stirred up with anger the passengers were boiling when they found out the flight was delayed yet again

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2
as in to stew
to cook in a liquid heated to the point that it gives off steam boil the potatoes until they are tender before you try to mash them

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3
as in to churn
to be in a state of violent rolling motion the sea boiled and frothed during the storm

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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 boil
Noun
Whisk in the stock, increase the heat and bring to a boil and cook until the stock has reduced by half. 5: Whisk in the chunks of cream cheese, then fold in the turkey, peas, parsley and half of the cheese and half of the peppers. — Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025 Bring vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and mustard seeds to a boil in a small saucepan over high, stirring often. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
The Best Andouille Sausage Recipe Ideas Brekke tells us that the most traditional uses for Cajun andouille include jambalaya, gumbo, low-country shrimp boil, and red beans and rice. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2025 Saute, sear, slow cook, boil, braise, deep fry, roast and bake all of your favorite meals in this pot, which is compatible with multiple stovetop types (including induction). — Lauryn Jiles, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for boil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for boil
  1. blister
  2. steam
  3. stew
  4. churn
  5. pustule
  6. rage
  7. simmer
  8. swirl
Noun
  • Bencic took another medical timeout before the deciding set to have a hand blister tended to.
    — Staff and news service reports, Orange County Register, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Appearance: This painful skin issue usually starts as small blisters or raised bumps on the skin that develop into deep ulcers (sores).7 In adults, it's commonly located on the lower half of the body, such as the legs.
    — Cristina Mutchler, Health, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of blister
Verb
  • Skip the butter on veggies or meats by air frying, poaching, or steaming.
    — Sarah Garone, Health, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Everything was steaming hot, and the smell alone was overwhelming in the best way possible.
    — Tamia Boyd, Charlotte Observer, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of steam
Verb
  • The first is to stew in resentment, replaying the interview in your head, convincing yourself that the hiring manager made a mistake.
    — Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Musk stews over Stargate As one of President Trump’s closest allies, Elon Musk was expected to reap a huge advantage over his rivals.
    — Andrew Ross Sorkin, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
Definition of stew
Verb
  • And in too many cases, the customer churns instead of expanding.
    — Ron Carson, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Crashing waves, rushing streams, and roaring waterfalls churned up sprays of water into an atmosphere rich with carbon dioxide, nitrogen, methane and ammonia.
    — Kiona N. Smith, Space.com, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of churn
Noun
  • Victims develop high fevers, deep rashes and oozing pustules.
    — William J. Broad, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2025
  • Plants with orange rust, identified by orange pustules on the leaves, must be burned or disposed of in the trash.
    — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2025
Definition of pustule
Verb
  • The war has raged on after Trump became president for a second time, with Russia making slow progress on the battlefield in Ukraine and pressing Ukrainian forces that had taken a sliver of Russian territory across the border in Kursk.
    — Keir Simmons, NBC News, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Protests raged as attorneys slowly made their way out of the federal courthouse.
    — Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of rage
Verb
  • He’s acted as a House liaison for Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) amid simmering tensions over budget reconciliation and can often be seen shuttling to the weekly conference meetings run by Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA).
    — David Sivak, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 13 Mar. 2025
  • But dodging it’s nearly impossible for most New Yorkers, so the dread just keeps simmering.
    — Staff report, Hartford Courant, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of simmer
Verb
  • No one doubts the charismatic star is headed back to WWE, as rumors have swirled about his return over the past six months.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
  • With rumors swirling about meetings and plans for specific teams, here is a prediction for where the top remaining quarterback options this offseason will play.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of swirl

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“Boil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boil. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on boil

Nglish: Translation of boil for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about boil

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