scorch

verb

ˈskȯrch How to pronounce scorch (audio)
Definition of scorchnext
1
as in to char
to burn on the surface the picnickers kept scorching their marshmallows, deliberately sticking their skewers into the licking flames of the campfire

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to dry
to make dry weeks of drought had badly scorched the soil

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 scorch Planting in too much sun will cause leaves to scorch around their edges. — Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Apr. 2025 However, the 44-year-old Englishman has many on his tail including Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy. DeChambeau, a two-time major winner, started out the second round scorched earth and continued on to finish the day at 4-under par, sitting one stroke behind Rose for the lead. — Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2025 With the same milky blue water as the Blue Lagoon and a fraction of the crowd, these are the hot springs of your dreams, fed from a bore hole at a scorching 266 degrees before the water cools to between 96 and 104 degrees. — Maggie Fuller, AFAR Media, 1 Apr. 2025 Hedges hit his ninth and tenth home runs of the season on Saturday against Indiana, continuing his scorching start to the season. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scorch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scorch
  1. char
  2. dry
  3. singe
  4. bake
Verb
  • In essence, toasting and charring prepare the barrel to be an active partner in the aging process.
    — Emily Price, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Also on offer will be a Vietnamese hollow donut coated in everything seasoning and filled with salmon pastrami and charred scallion cream cheese.
    — Meira Gebel, Axios, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of char
Verb
  • Use a fragrance-free wash with a creamy formula, which tends to be less drying—think: a thicker, lotion-like consistency versus a thin and sudsy one.
    — Alisa Hrustic, SELF, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Both leaves and flowers emit a sweet, fruity aroma and can be dried for a calming tea.
    — Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of dry
Verb
  • The oak and sycamore trees, which would have taken decades, if not centuries to return if they had been killed by the fire, were still standing, some just lightly singed.
    — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025
  • One study shows that toxic VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are emitted when synthetic hair is singed or heated at temperatures of 250°C and above.
    — Kiara Byrd, Allure, 31 Oct. 2024
Definition of singe
Verb
  • Protesters and street medics have also used a baking soda solution consisting of a teaspoon of baking soda for every 8.5 ounces of water.
    — Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Return rolls to oven, and continue baking until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.
    — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of bake

Browse Nearby Words

scops
scorch
scorched
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Cite this Entry

“Scorch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scorch. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on scorch

Nglish: Translation of scorch for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scorch

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