SOAK Synonyms: 128 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'soak' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of soak are drench , impregnate , saturate , and steep . While all these words mean "to permeate or be permeated with a liquid," soak implies usually prolonged immersion as for softening or cleansing. // soak the garment in soapy water

Q: When might 'drench' be a better fit than 'soak'?

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

Q: Where would 'impregnate' be a reasonable alternative to 'soak'?

The words impregnate and soak can be used in similar contexts, but impregnate implies a thorough interpenetration of one thing by another. // a cake strongly impregnated with brandy

Q: When could 'saturate' be used to replace 'soak'?

The synonyms saturate and soak are sometimes interchangeable, but saturate implies a resulting effect of complete absorption until no more liquid can be held. // a saturated sponge

Q: When can 'steep' be used instead of 'soak'?

While in some cases nearly identical to soak , 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

soak 1 of 2

noun

Definition of soak next

as in alcoholic

a person who makes a habit of getting drunk felt sorry for the town soak, who couldn't hold a job

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

soak

2 of 2

verb

ˈsōk

as in to saturate

to wet thoroughly with liquid we ran for home as soon as the rain started, but our clothes still ended up soaked

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as in to gouge

to charge (someone) too much for goods or services a merchant who soaks the tourists every summer

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undercharge

as in to wet

to make wet that downpour soaked my hair, and now I look like a sight

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as in to drink

to partake excessively of alcoholic beverages depressed about his love life, he repaired to a bar to soak

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

abstain

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of soak are drench, impregnate, saturate, and steep. While all these words mean "to permeate or be permeated with a liquid," soak implies usually prolonged immersion as for softening or cleansing.

soak the garment in soapy water

When might drench be a better fit than soak?

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

clothes drenched by a cloudburst

Where would impregnate be a reasonable alternative to soak?

The words impregnate and soak can be used in similar contexts, but impregnate implies a thorough interpenetration of one thing by another.

a cake strongly impregnated with brandy

When could saturate be used to replace soak?

The synonyms saturate and soak are sometimes interchangeable, but saturate implies a resulting effect of complete absorption until no more liquid can be held.

a saturated sponge

When can steep be used instead of soak?

While in some cases nearly identical to soak, 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 soak

Noun

This potent magnesium bath soak is enriched with stress-relieving essential oils and apple cider vinegar and is designed to support serotonin levels and provide muscle and nerve relief. —

Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2024 Instead, opt for shorter, lukewarm soaks when bathing. —

Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 22 Jan. 2025

Verb

And other features, like the primary bath with boxy dual sinks and a Japanese soaking tub, are kind of delightfully retro. —

Kim Velsey, Curbed, 10 Feb. 2025 Its bathroom has limestone floors, a deep Japanese-style soaking tub and a walk-in shower. —

Angela Serratore, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for soak

Recent Examples of Synonyms for soak

Noun

My husband of 58 years is an alcoholic, but not a mean one.

— Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 17 Jan. 2025
Dear Abby: My husband of 58 years is an alcoholic, but not a mean one.

— Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 17 Jan. 2025