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

Examples 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 This hanger-on dates her, impregnates her, then bores her to tears. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2024 In one instance at Combs’ house in Los Angeles, the complaint alleges, she was drugged into unconsciousness and was impregnated. Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2024 The disturbing true story of a North Carolina man who impregnated his biological daughter and then killed her, her adoptive father and his own infant son in a triple-murder-suicide is being adapted into a new Lifetime movie. Nicole Acosta, People.com, 27 Sep. 2024 This same genius crudely proposed impregnating the pop star Taylor Swift, in front of millions of people, following the second presidential debate in September. Daniel Vergano, Scientific American, 13 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for impregnate 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impregnate
Verb
  • Photos show crews leading the soaking wet Appaloosa back on solid ground.
    Brooke Baitinger, Idaho Statesman, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Situated next to the teak soaking tub, it’s illuminated by the sun via an airy skylight that pays homage to traditional Japanese Ryoka, aka inns.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The market was saturated with SEO tools, but few were leveraging AI to provide genuinely actionable insights.
    Serkan Şafak, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Along Bourbon Street, the flashing blue lights of more police cars than usual cast a strobe effect as music from street drummers, jazz bands, and bar DJs saturates the crisp air.
    Janna A. Zanzi, AFAR Media, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The proliferation of point solutions—tools that solve only one or two specific pain points—has left organizations drowning in software.
    Joshua Siler, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
  • While getting these hands-on pics, the bustle of the Vegas Strip didn’t drown out my music or prevent me from hearing my colleague Antonio G. Di Benedetto’s photo cues.
    Victoria Song, The Verge, 7 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Heavy rain in forecast for the Northeast on New Year's Eve Behind Monday's storm, a second weather system is forecast to drench the East Coast from North Carolina to southern New England on Tuesday.
    Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 30 Dec. 2024
  • You're just drenched in sweat under all your fur coats.
    Nicholas Rice, People.com, 22 Dec. 2024
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

Thesaurus Entries Near impregnate

Cite this Entry

“Impregnate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impregnate. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on impregnate

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