sweltering

adjective

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

Synonyms of sweltering

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Examples of sweltering in a Sentence

the air conditioning was broken, and it was sweltering in the office
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The Lomon Wide-leg Pants, made of 80 percent cotton and 20 percent linen, are the perfect option for sweltering days. — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 1 Aug. 2026 The heat is sweltering, your fans are running and your air conditioner is cooling constantly. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 31 July 2026 Concerns were growing about illness, including from the sweltering heat. — Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026 The fires broke out amid a sweltering summer of European heatwaves, which saw regions of the continent hit temperatures up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sweltering

Word History

First Known Use

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 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sweltering

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

More from Merriam-Webster on sweltering

Nglish: Translation of sweltering for Spanish Speakers

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