saturate 1 of 2

saturate

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adjective

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

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 saturate
Verb
Had the song not been up against a tear-jerking earworm from a Pixar movie that saturated the culture for months on end, this would have been a welcome win for Warren. 4. Carrie Wittmer, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2025 In a market saturated with botanical blends, Ukiyo has distinguished itself from others by following traditional Japanese distilling methods to make their gins. Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
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
  • Upstairs suite like ‘hotel room’ The luxurious primary bathroom is like a spa, featuring a triple-head shower and soaking tub.
    David Caraccio, Sacramento Bee, 22 Mar. 2025
  • When you're finished, allow the comforter to soak for about 20 minutes before gently flat-pressing out excess water—twisting or wringing it out will cause clumps to form.
    Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Many studies have linked high intake of saturated fat with health problems like heart disease, weight gain, and high cholesterol.2 Conversely, the healthier fats in plant oils could protect against some chronic health conditions.
    Sarah Garone, Health, 18 Mar. 2025
  • The saturated bright colors of Corina’s clothing contrast with the muted, mostly gray colors of the publishing house’s offices.
    Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Businesses across sectors are drowning in information, yet many still haven’t found the right tools to manage, interpret, and act on it effectively.
    Cathy Hackl, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • If Nike can continue to show positive signs from new product launches and partnerships, the rest of its headwinds might just be drowned out as noise.
    Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Gomez and Blanco commit to the homage, drenching Gomez’s voice in Auto-Tune in the verse and adding a squelchy, SOPHIE-esque interlude.
    Justin Curto, Vulture, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Dolly’s recipe, fried up in tallow, is beyond compare, especially drenched in her white pan country gravy.
    Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • But he was struck by the resemblance and wondered: What if Rania's daughters were raped and impregnated by one of Assad's forces?
    Mirna Alrached, NPR, 16 Mar. 2025
  • The Maine Wire first broke the story about the Haitian migrant, Ronald Joseph, 42, impregnating the girl.
    Audrey Conklin, Fox News, 5 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Bassa was specifically honored for her synthesis of bright blue Jell-O. Med school Q: Why do fingers and toes wrinkle when immersed in water?
    Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The Duchess of Sussex recently told PEOPLE in an exclusive interview about their family immersing themselves in the local community, who have gotten to know her from school drop-offs and playdates with Archie and Lili.
    Stephanie Petit, People.com, 31 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Saturate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/saturate. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

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