Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of saturate are drench, impregnate, soak, and steep. While all these words mean "to permeate or be permeated with a liquid," saturate implies a resulting effect of complete absorption until no more liquid can be held.

a saturated sponge

In what contexts can drench take the place of saturate?

In some situations, the words drench and saturate are roughly equivalent. However, drench implies a thorough wetting by something that pours down or is poured.

clothes drenched by a cloudburst

When could impregnate be used to replace saturate?

While the synonyms impregnate and saturate are close in meaning, impregnate implies a thorough interpenetration of one thing by another.

a cake strongly impregnated with brandy

Where would soak be a reasonable alternative to saturate?

Although the words soak and saturate have much in common, soak implies usually prolonged immersion as for softening or cleansing.

soak the garment in soapy water

When would steep be a good substitute for saturate?

While in some cases nearly identical to saturate, 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 saturate
Verb
Gently squeeze the solution through the garment so that every fiber is saturated. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 7 Dec. 2024 The West Coast weed market is notoriously saturated — and Jay Z’s brand stuck out in a not-altogether-positive manner. Madeline Fitzgerald, Quartz, 3 Dec. 2024
Adjective
However, even when hair is dry and thick, experts advise washing at least twice a week to remove all the residues that can accumulate on the scalp, and that saturate and weaken the hair. Ana Morales, Vogue, 15 Aug. 2023 To use, spray directly on the stain and saturate well. Brandi Fuller, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 June 2023 See all Example Sentences for saturate 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for saturate
Verb
  • Drain the bowl or sink, refill with fresh water, and repeat the soaking process until the water runs clear.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 2024
  • While many modern hotels, especially those with smaller rooms, are forgoing soaking tubs for simple shower spaces, this design choice truly enhances the guest experience.
    Amanda Lauren, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Nutrition expert Marion Nestle of New York University says the new rule may encourage food manufacturers to reformulate their foods to reduce sodium, sugars and saturated fats.
    Allison Aubrey, NPR, 19 Dec. 2024
  • By creating environments that prioritize engagement, personalization and interactivity, businesses can cut through the noise, forge deeper connections and secure a competitive edge in today's saturated marketplace.
    Astrid Pocklington, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Doka has spent his childhood playing on land that would have been drowned by the Orme Reservoir, building forts in the woods, jumping over irrigation ditches and playing with his cousins.
    Austin Corona, The Arizona Republic, 20 Dec. 2024
  • The moon's light will likely drown out dimmer meteors.
    Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • A change for the better John awakens with a scream, his body drenched in sweat.
    Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 19 Dec. 2024
  • Buckley’s shorts and legs were drenched with Covington’s blood, and the latter was attempting to prolong the grappling sequences to keep his eye from taking more damage.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • 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
  • The production designer was referencing an early film in his career, a comedy headlined by Jason Bateman and Jennifer Aniston in which the former ruins the sperm sample the latter intends to use to impregnate herself, forcing him to supply his own specimen in its stead.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 30 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • In addition to getting to be immersed in a Dia de los Muertos celebration, the performers (Miguel and his family) were absolutely phenomenal.
    Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 20 Dec. 2024
  • Throughout their stay, guests can immerse themselves in exclusive experiences, from intimate encounters with majestic elephants to savoring world-class cuisine, all in the serenity of an all-inclusive escape.
    Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near saturate

Cite this Entry

“Saturate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/saturate. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on saturate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!