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
  • Without vegetation, a barren burn scar allows runoff to flow more quickly.
    — Jamie Stengle, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Less than a month later, regulators tagged another nursing home, Cascadia of Nampa, with a fine of nearly $90,000 after inspectors reported a resident was hospitalized and later moved out of state for severe burns.
    — Matan Josephy, Idaho Statesman, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of burn
Verb
  • In addition to shape and pain, Nodrab says her legs also easily bruise and a have a profound heaviness.
    — Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Avoid overpacking the container, as zucchini blossoms can bruise easily, which can quicken spoilage.
    — Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of bruise
Verb
  • During the 2016 Chimney Fire, which scorched more than 46,000 acres in the Santa Lucia Range, one of the family’s favorite manzanita trees burned black.
    — Kathryn O’Shea-Evans, Robb Report, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Dangerous heat that has scorched the Southwest for days is now spreading to the nation's midsection.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of scorch
Verb
  • The pasta is impossibly fresh, the ragùs are slow-simmered and soulful, and the veal is so tender that it can be cut with a spoon.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
  • During Wallace and Shakur’s own rift, Knight and Combs’ own cold war simmered and ran even hotter than many initially believed.
    — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of simmer
Noun
  • Earlier this year, an open letter from agency leadership warned against using federal funds to buy harm reduction supplies like sterile syringes and pipes, or to distribute test strips for common drug supply contaminants.
    — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The harm caused by the delays spurred immigration attorneys and advocates in the state to send a letter to Chief Judge Sul Ozerden in March about the habeas bottleneck.
    — Carla Astudillo, ProPublica, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of harm
Verb
  • The man’s muscles and skin were lacerated by the bear’s claws and teeth.
    — Jan Thacker, Outdoor Life, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Corbin fractured his jaw in two places, busted his upper arm, and lacerated his lip.
    — Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of lacerate
Verb
  • All four celebs started dipping their toes into fall fashion early this year, reaching for fisherman, funnel-neck, and crewneck sweaters while traveling, sipping coffee, and cooking with Ina Garten.
    — Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Guests can also participate in a range of environmental programs including coastline cleanups, recycling efforts, and reef protection activity that includes going fishing for destructive lionfish—and then enjoying a meal cooked with it.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on scald

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scald

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