SCORCH Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

scorch

verb

ˈskȯrch

Definition of scorch

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

Relevance

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 Working quickly, pour caramel into a 9×5-inch loaf pan, but do not scrape bottom of saucepan in case any caramel on the bottom scorched and became bitter. — Emily Paster, Midwest Living, 16 Aug. 2026 Pyroclastic flows – fast-moving clouds of scorching gas, ash, and rock – could devastate territory near the caldera. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026 East Java authorities said the largest blaze is burning in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java province, where about 743 hectares (1,836 acres) have been scorched. — ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026 The scorching temperatures and persistent droughts in June and July mutually reinforced each other to create a hot weather spiral, according to Samantha Burgess, strategic lead for climate at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. — Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scorch

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scorch

Verb

Add the lemon halves, cut-sides down, and cook until charred on the bottom, 3 to 4 minutes.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
San Diego Fire-Rescue Deputy Chief Dan Eddy said the fire began in a canyon area near where a brush fire in June had charred about 90 acres.

— Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of char

Verb

The Slovenian is not the only relic that has emerged from Europe's drying rivers.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
Natural gas is deeply embedded upstream in textile manufacturing, supplying captive electricity generation as well as the boilers and steam required for processes including dyeing, washing, drying and finishing.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of dry

Verb

Wills had been in a meeting and recalled a fireball flying past and singeing her bangs.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 20 Aug. 2026
Five digital heat settings make temperature adjustment simple, and the ceramic plates are gentle enough to use on any hair type without singeing.

— Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 18 June 2026

Definition of singe

Browse Nearby Words

scops

scorch

scorched

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Style

“Scorch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scorch. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of scorch

verb

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