sear Synonyms
Another word for sear
• verb (Context 1)
To brown or char the surface of meat, fish, or vegetables rapidly at a high temperature so as to caramelize the exterior.
"The chef decided to brown the salmon skin-side down before finishing it in the oven."
• verb (Context 2)
To burn, scorch, or injure the surface of something with sudden, intense heat.
"The midday desert sun seemed to scorch the bare rock and parch the valley floor."
• noun (Context 3)
A browned, caramelized crust formed on the surface of food by cooking it rapidly over intense heat, or a mark left by burning.
"Cooking the scallops in a hot cast-iron skillet produces a golden scorch on the outside."
• verb (Context 4)
To cause a sharp, burning sensation of pain, or to leave a permanent, vivid impression on the mind or memory.
"The breathtaking view of the canyon at sunrise was enough to etch itself into her memory forever."
• noun (Context 5)
The catch or pivoted lever in a gunlock that holds the hammer or striker at full or half cock until the trigger is pulled.
"The gunsmith carefully inspected the worn catch inside the antique mechanism."
• adjective (Context 6)
Dry and withered, especially of autumn leaves or vegetation (most commonly spelled 'sere').
"The autumn wind rustled through the sere, brown leaves clinging to the oak branches."
Opposites of sear
The opposite of sear shifts depending on context. Common opposites include: