Synonym Chooser

How is the word impregnate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of impregnate are drench, saturate, soak, and steep. While all these words mean "to permeate or be permeated with a liquid," impregnate implies a thorough interpenetration of one thing by another.

a cake strongly impregnated with brandy

When could drench be used to replace impregnate?

While in some cases nearly identical to impregnate, drench implies a thorough wetting by something that pours down or is poured.

clothes drenched by a cloudburst

When might saturate be a better fit than impregnate?

The words saturate and impregnate can be used in similar contexts, but saturate implies a resulting effect of complete absorption until no more liquid can be held.

a saturated sponge

Where would soak be a reasonable alternative to impregnate?

While the synonyms soak and impregnate are close in meaning, soak implies usually prolonged immersion as for softening or cleansing.

soak the garment in soapy water

In what contexts can steep take the place of impregnate?

In some situations, the words steep and impregnate are roughly equivalent. However, steep suggests either the extraction of an essence (as of tea leaves) by the liquid or the imparting of a quality (such as a color) to the thing immersed.

steep the tea for five minutes

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 impregnate The teacher, say authorities, was allegedly impregnated by the alleged victim and had his child. Nicole Acosta, People.com, 16 Jan. 2025 One contributing reason was that the boy who impregnated her was abusive, violent and three years her senior. Kwame Anthony Appiah, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025 Women become impregnated by swarms of mosquitoes and then use socket drivers to drill holes into human men and drink their blood. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2024 Instead, the narrative focuses on Karoline (Vic Carmen Sonne), a factory worker in the wake of World War I who is impregnated by her rich boss and then discarded after his mother disapproves. Esther Zuckerman, TIME, 6 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for impregnate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impregnate
Verb
  • How To Get Rid of and Prevent Smells in Stove Drip Pans To get rid of smells, Stein recommends soaking the drip pans in hot, soapy water with a splash of vinegar for about 15 minutes, then scrub thoroughly.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The spacious accommodations, starting at 1,130 square feet, also come with soaking tubs and either a private terrace or balcony for taking in the beautiful beachfront views.
    Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • But all 12 are saturated with deceit, consternation and heartbreak.
    Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 2 Mar. 2025
  • What began as a frustration with fashion’s one-size-fits-all approach evolved into a bold venture that challenged the norms of an industry saturated with sameness.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The big picture: Trump and Musk are correct that America is drowning in deficits.
    Axios, Axios, 25 Feb. 2025
  • The archeologists were dashed against the very reefs that had sunk the vessel; one almost drowned.
    Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • And veteran defenseman Erik Gudbranson was drenched in sweat after joining the Jackets for an optional morning skate, his first full wheel with his teammates.
    Aaron Portzline, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
  • High-traffic areas require more durable materials: Silk may withstand drenching in a formal living room but not so much in a family room frequented by children and pets.
    Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Winemaker Carlo Ferrini’s blend is of 50% Cab, 40% Merlot and 10% Carménère, fermented in cement tanks, macerated for 15 to 18 days then aged in Slovenian and French barrels for six months, softening the wine.
    John Mariani, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
  • For an elevated dessert, drizzle over vanilla ice cream and top with cut or macerated strawberries or peaches.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 30 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Impregnate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impregnate. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

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