Thaw vs. Melt — What's the Difference?

To change from a frozen solid to a liquid by gradual warming.

Make or become liquefied by heat

To lose stiffness, numbness, or impermeability by being warmed

Make or become more tender or loving

To become warm enough for snow and ice to melt.

Leave or disappear unobtrusively

To become less formal, aloof, or reserved.

An act or period of melting

To cause to thaw.

To be changed from a solid to a liquid state especially by the application of heat.

The process of thawing.

To dissolve

A period of warm weather during which ice and snow melt.

To disappear or vanish gradually as if by dissolving

A relaxation of reserve, restraints, or tensions.

To pass or merge imperceptibly into something else

(intransitive) To gradually melt, dissolve, or become fluid; to soften from frozen

To become softened in feeling

(intransitive) To become so warm as to melt ice and snow — said in reference to the weather, and used impersonally.

(Obsolete) To be overcome or crushed, as by grief, dismay, or fear.

To grow gentle or genial.

To change (a solid) to a liquid state especially by the application of heat.

(transitive) To gradually cause frozen things (such as earth, snow, ice) to melt, soften, or dissolve.

To dissolve

The melting of ice, snow, or other frozen or congealed matter; the transformation of ice or the like into the state of a fluid; liquefaction by heat of anything congealed by frost

To cause to disappear gradually; disperse.

A period of weather warm enough to melt that which is frozen

To cause (units) to blend

(figurative) a period of relaxation, of reduced reserve, tension, or hostility or of increased friendliness or understanding

To soften (someone's feelings); make gentle or tender.

To melt, dissolve, or become fluid; to soften; - said of that which is frozen; as, the ice thaws.

A melted solid; a fused mass.

To become so warm as to melt ice and snow; - said in reference to the weather, and used impersonally.

The state of being melted.

To cause (frozen things, as earth, snow, ice) to melt, soften, or dissolve.

The act or operation of melting.

The melting of ice, snow, or other congealed matter; the resolution of ice, or the like, into the state of a fluid; liquefaction by heat of anything congealed by frost; also, a warmth of weather sufficient to melt that which is congealed.

The quantity melted at a single operation or in one period.

The process whereby heat changes something from a solid to a liquid;

A usually open sandwich topped with melted cheese

Warm weather following a freeze; snow and ice melt;

Molten material, the product of melting.

A relaxation or slackening of tensions or reserve; becoming less hostile;

The transition of matter from a solid state to a liquid state.

Become or cause to become soft or liquid;

The springtime snow runoff in mountain regions.

A melt sandwich.

(geology) Rock showing evidence of having been remelted after it originally solidified.

A wax-based substance for use in an oil burner as an alternative to mixing oils and water.

An idiot.

(ergative) To change (or to be changed) from a solid state to a liquid state, usually by a gradual heat.

To dissolve, disperse, vanish.

To soften, as by a warming or kindly influence; to relax; to render gentle or susceptible to mild influences; sometimes, in a bad sense, to take away the firmness of; to weaken.

(intransitive) To be discouraged.

To be emotionally softened or touched.

To be very hot and sweat profusely.

See 2d Milt.

To reduce from a solid to a liquid state, as by heat; to liquefy; as, to melt wax, tallow, or lead; to melt ice or snow.

To soften, as by a warming or kindly influence; to relax; to render gentle or susceptible to mild influences; sometimes, in a bad sense, to take away the firmness of; to weaken.

To be changed from a solid to a liquid state under the influence of heat; as, butter and wax melt at moderate temperatures.

To dissolve; as, sugar melts in the mouth.

To be softened; to become tender, mild, or gentle; also, to be weakened or subdued, as by fear.

To lose distinct form or outline; to blend. See fondue.

To disappear by being dispersed or dissipated; as, the fog melts away.

The process whereby heat changes something from a solid to a liquid;

Reduce or cause to be reduced from a solid to a liquid state, usually by heating;

Become or cause to become soft or liquid;

Become more relaxed, easygoing, or genial;

Lose its distinct outline or shape; blend gradually;

Become less clearly visible or distinguishable; disappear gradually or seemingly;

Become less intense and fade away gradually;