drench

verb

ˈdrench How to pronounce drench (audio)
Definition of drenchnext
1
as in to wet
to make wet we were drenched by the sudden rainstorm

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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 Authorities kicked down the door to the home on 84th Street and allegedly found the uncle standing near the entrance, wielding a meat cleaver and drenched in blood. —Ben Brachfeld, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025 There was Tropical Storm Debby last August, which saw the Richmond area drenched for multiple days. —Sabrina Moreno, Axios, 7 Apr. 2025 Pick a Lead Pattern Vanderford believes the key to successful pattern drenching is practicing a bit of restraint. —Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2025 The line of storms slammed into the Atlanta metro area shortly after noon and brought drenching rain, strong winds and hail. —Matthew Rehbein, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for drench
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drench
  1. wet
  2. soak
  3. drown
  4. saturate
  5. wash
  6. impregnate
  7. flood
Verb
  • Diagnosis Exams typically begin with a thorough medical history because there is a genetic component to wet AMD, and other health factors can raise your risk.
    — Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Serve Use a lime wedge to wet the rim and the side of the bottle.
    — Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of wet
Verb
  • The 646 square foot Lodge Suites now feature four poster beds, a cream and white color scheme with accent wool throws and pillows, spacious bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and heated wood floors along with glass doors leading to a terrace on the river.
    — Laurie Werner, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The Rooms My penthouse suite had a full kitchen and dining area, a large living room, a bathroom with a walk-in shower and a soaking tub, and an oversized balcony with a daybed and bistro set.
    — Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2025
Definition of soak
Verb
  • His playbook involves drowning rivals in legal fees.
    — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Twin brothers died in a drowning incident while fishing in a Mississippi lake last week, officials said.
    — Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
Definition of drown
Verb
  • Make sure each strand is fully saturated, then let the product sit for 40 to 60 minutes.
    — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Born in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1944, Davis grew up in an environment saturated with both terror and resistance.
    — Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of saturate
Verb
  • Reynolds’ colleagues found 97% of people had never washed them, and many were contaminated by bacteria, including E. coli, from foods like raw meats and produce.
    — Matt Fuchs, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Geometric furniture and decorative elements are washed in rich colors and lush textures.
    — Blue Carreon, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of wash
Verb
  • For context, in 2017 Kirk confessed to stepping out on Rashida with a stripper named Jasmine Washington and impregnating her during season 6 of LAHH ATL.
    — Essence, Essence, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Handmaids were the remaining fertile women, forcibly impregnated by Commanders.
    — Fred Topel, Deadline, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of impregnate
Verb
  • Christians and Muslims flooded social media with tributes, remembering his vocal condemnation of violence and consistent empathy for Gaza's civilians.
    — Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Special forces and ambulances flooded the scene, and workers in nearby stores were ordered to shelter in place.
    — Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of flood

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dreich
drench
drenched
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Cite this Entry

“Drench.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drench. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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