scald 1 of 2

noun

Definition of scaldnext
as in burn
a burn left on the skin that is caused by hot liquid or steam

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scald

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to bruise

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2
as in to scorch

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3
as in to simmer

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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 scald
Noun
This tent can double as a heat protector when summer temperatures soar into the 90s and the foliage and bark of many plants, especially tropicals, are susceptible to heat scald. — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 21 Nov. 2025 Applying a thin layer of lawn soil might help protect the green runners from sun scald but is probably not necessary. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2025
Verb
Since most of these scalding waters are too hot to swim in, the next best option is the Firehole Swim Area, located along the Firehole River and fed by thermal activity below the surface. — Talia Avakian, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2026 By comparison, 125 visitors have drowned and 23 have died from burns after falling into the park’s scalding hot springs. — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for scald
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scald
  1. burn
  2. bruise
  3. scorch
  4. simmer
  5. harm
  6. lacerate
  7. cook
  8. parboil
Noun
  • Heavy rains in burn scar areas can pose serious threats of flash flooding, and the sheriff's office asked residents to take precautions around the scarred areas.
    — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Firefighters brought the blaze under control and the injured were taken to a hospital where some were being treated for burn injuries while others suffered from smoke inhalation and asphyxiation, the report said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of burn
Verb
  • Avoid overpacking the container, as zucchini blossoms can bruise easily, which can quicken spoilage.
    — Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 3 Aug. 2026
  • It was seen as a sure-fire way to burn bridges or at least bruise feelings between a club and its players.
    — Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 13 July 2026
Definition of bruise
Verb
  • Apparent human skeletal remains, including a jaw with the teeth still attached, were found at Lake Mead on Sunday, officials said, as water levels sink to new lows amid a drought and scorching heat in the West.
    — Mark Osborne, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Highs Friday topped out at a cool 79 degrees for Sacramento, 85 for Modesto, and only 91 for normally-scorching Fresno.
    — Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of scorch
Verb
  • Price pressures persist Wednesday’s report also showed that some underlying price pressures continue to simmer.
    — Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The long-simmering feud between two former reality stars came to a boil during a joint podcast interview.
    — Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of simmer
Noun
  • State prosecutors could argue that the federal stalking charges and its murder case address two different harms.
    — Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Filed jointly with the WGA West and East branches, the guild’s suit claims the merger violates antitrust law and would inflict irreparable harm on industry scribes.
    — Jack Dunn, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of harm
Verb
  • Jen Macdonel, Claire Macdonel's mother, told Fox News Digital that the barracuda attack lacerated four of her daughter's tendons, in addition to a nerve and a ligament.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026
  • Rubbing the injury causes more tissue damage as the ice crystals lacerate new cells.
    — Tim MacWelch, Outdoor Life, 15 July 2026
Definition of lacerate
Verb
  • Add the corn, kosher salt, and sugar, and spread the corn in a single layer, and cook, without stirring, for about 5 minutes, until the kernels are slightly blistered on the bottom and cooked through on top.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Juicy chicken, squash, red onion, and walnuts cook together on a sheet pan, then get heaped over arugula for a cold-weather salad that satisfies like a Sunday roast.
    — Emily Paster, Midwest Living, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of cook
Verb
  • Gnocchi and mushrooms roast without parboiling, then get finished with creamy ricotta and lemon to cut through the richness.
    — Monti Carlo, AJC.com, 18 Feb. 2026
  • For a simpler approach to preparing Brussels sprouts, skip parboiling and move straight to roasting.
    — Maddy Bendgen, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Nov. 2025
Definition of parboil

Browse Nearby Words

scalawags
scald
scalded
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Cite this Entry

“Scald.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scald. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on scald

Nglish: Translation of scald for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scald

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