DRENCH Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of drench are impregnate , saturate , soak , and steep . While all these words mean "to permeate or be permeated with a liquid," drench implies a thorough wetting by something that pours down or is poured. // clothes drenched by a cloudburst

Q: In what contexts can 'impregnate' take the place of 'drench'?

The words impregnate and drench 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 might 'saturate' be a better fit than 'drench'?

The words saturate and drench are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, saturate implies a resulting effect of complete absorption until no more liquid can be held. // a saturated sponge

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

While in some cases nearly identical to drench , soak implies usually prolonged immersion as for softening or cleansing. // soak the garment in soapy water

Q: When would 'steep' be a good substitute for 'drench'?

The meanings of steep and drench largely overlap; 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

drench

verb

ˈdrench

Definition of drench next

as in to wet

to make wet we were drenched by the sudden rainstorm

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to soak

to wet thoroughly with liquid when using the carpet shampooer, wet but do not drench the carpet

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of drench are impregnate, saturate, soak, and steep. While all these words mean "to permeate or be permeated with a liquid," drench implies a thorough wetting by something that pours down or is poured.

clothes drenched by a cloudburst

In what contexts can impregnate take the place of drench?

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

a cake strongly impregnated with brandy

When might saturate be a better fit than drench?

The words saturate and drench are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, saturate implies a resulting effect of complete absorption until no more liquid can be held.

a saturated sponge

When could soak be used to replace drench?

While in some cases nearly identical to drench, soak implies usually prolonged immersion as for softening or cleansing.

soak the garment in soapy water

When would steep be a good substitute for drench?

The meanings of steep and drench largely overlap; 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 drench Avoiding getting drenched or the threat of lightning strikes and delays doesn’t mean a dry race. —

David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 3 May 2026 Within minutes, Mars was already drenched in sweat — not tasteful celebrity perspiration, but full-body, someone-get-this-man-a-Gatorade sweat. —

Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2026 Trafficway on Monday after heavy rains drenched the Kansas City area. —

Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026 Men rushed to work, their nice shoes and pantlegs splashed and drenched. —

Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for drench

Recent Examples of Synonyms for drench

Verb

This one hails from Memphis and excludes a sauce altogether — although feel free to wet your ribs with whatever sauce tickles your fancy.

— John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 19 May 2026
Avoid wetting foliage when watering plants or water in the morning if using overhead sprinklers to help minimize foliar disease.

— Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 13 May 2026

Definition of wet

Browse Nearby Words

dreich

drench

drenched

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Drench.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drench. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of drench

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on drench

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

cordial

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Regarding the Incorrect Use of 'Decimate'

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Popular in Wordplay

9 Financial Words With Surprising Origins

Strange Words for Body Functions

Where does 'curiosity killed the cat' come from?

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

How long is a jiffy?

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

9 Financial Words With Surprising Origins

Strange Words for Body Functions

Games & Quizzes