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Synonyms

blistering

American  
[blis-ter-ing] / ˈblɪs tər ɪŋ /

adjective

  1. causing a blister or blisters.

  2. (especially of sunlight, heat, etc.) very severe or intense.

  3. very fast or rapid.

    a blistering pace.

noun

  1. the act or an instance of forming a blister or blisters.

  2. a series or group of blisters, as on a painted surface.

blistering British  
/ -trɪŋ, ˈblɪstərɪŋ /

adjective

  1. (of weather) extremely hot

  2. (of criticism) extremely harsh

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • blisteringly adverb

Etymology

Origin of blistering

First recorded in 1555–65; blister + -ing 2

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

These days, a horror film must also be a blistering allegory for real life, with plenty of subtextual significance for the thinking viewer to glom onto.

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2026

That mood has only intensified with the release of its sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, which opened last week to blistering demand.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

This time, Jackson wrote a blistering dissent—joined by Sotomayor—that seemed to explain her earlier vote, as well.

From Slate • Mar. 17, 2026

At 5-foot-11 and 192 pounds he’s not big for the position, and according to a school release ran the 40 in 4.46 seconds, which is fast but not blistering.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2026

Jinny and Ess dropped to the sand and put their arms over their faces until the bits of shell stopped blistering the air around them.

From "Orphan Island" by Laurel Snyder

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.