sweltering

adjective

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

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.
Some Cambridge Housing Authority residents are stuck in sweltering temperatures with no air conditioning during the heat on Tuesday and Wednesday. Kristina Rex, CBS News, 19 May 2026 The sweltering temperatures could also push the District toward record-breaking heat. Mike Stunson, USA Today, 18 May 2026 They were convicted in connection with the deaths of 53 migrants found in the back of a sweltering tractor-trailer in Texas in 2022. Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026 There’s never a bad time for a trip to the Big Easy—except maybe the sweltering summer. Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 10 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Sweltering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sweltering. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

sweltering

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

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