SATURATE Synonyms: 113 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

saturate 1 of 2

verb

ˈsa-chə-ˌrāt

Definition of saturate

as in to soak

to wet thoroughly with liquid saturate your hair with water before applying the dye

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

saturate

2 of 2

adjective

ˈsach-rət

as in saturated

containing, covered with, or thoroughly penetrated by water the test will only work if the sample cloth is saturate with solution

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

Exclusives When a subscription market saturates, one of two things happens. — Jesse Kirshbaum, SPIN, 3 July 2026 Over the last decade, the technology market has become saturated with standalone applications designed to solve specific problems. — Damini Sood, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Adjective

Depending on the color of your boots, use slightly more or less water—but never fully saturate in any case. — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 21 Feb. 2026 Rain could aid firefighting efforts and saturate dry fuels, reducing their risk of igniting in the future. — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for saturate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for saturate

Verb

As the sun began to rise over the Atlanta skyline on the nation’s 250th birthday, racers, soaking with sweat from head to toe, were locked stride for stride with one another during the 2026 Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race.

— Fisher Isbell, AJC.com, 4 July 2026
Be sure to soak an untreated cedar plank in water for 1 to 2 hours before cooking.

— Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 3 July 2026

Definition of soak

Adjective

The collection is inspired by American codes — gingham, crisp whites and saturated reds — and the capsule includes four exclusive styles, two for Saks Fifth Avenue and two for Neiman Marcus.

— Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 6 July 2026
Genre enthusiasts will find lots to like here, from its rich saturated nighttime ambience to the moody, cine-techno score by Aeph.

— Damon Wise, Deadline, 6 July 2026

Definition of saturated

Verb

The death marked the fourth fatal drowning on the Lake of the Ozarks in 2026, according to the patrol’s data.

— Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 6 July 2026
The team’s supporters filled a few compact sections, islands of green drowned out in a sea of blue Kylian Mbappé jerseys.

— Albert Samaha, New Yorker, 6 July 2026

Definition of drown

Adjective

In honor of her bestie Taylor Swift's wedding with Travis Kelce on July 3, Gomez stepped out in a shimmering Oscar de la Renta dress dripping in crystals and gold fringe detailing.

— Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 5 July 2026
The city has taken a slate of actions to help sweat-dripping denizens find refuge from the heat, including opening up additional cooling centers and expanding pool hours.

— Julian Roberts-Grmela, New York Daily News, 4 July 2026

Definition of dripping

Verb

Designed by architect Zoltan Pali, an entire facade of floor-to-ceiling windows drench the property in light during the day while supplying sprawling views of the Los Angeles skyline.

— Kristin Braswell, Architectural Digest, 30 June 2026
It is filled with a plump and juicy cod fish and drenched with Mexican crema, pico de gallo and cabbage.

— Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2026

Definition of drench

Adjective

Pre-soaked toner pads are infused with active ingredients to help smooth skin and enhance hydration, while the anti-aging moisturizer combines NAD+ and hyaluronic acid for a firmer, more radiant look.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
In rainy weather, move orchids to a covered spot, so roots don’t stay soaked.

— Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2026

Definition of soaked

Verb

Clothing impregnated with permethrin is another option.

— Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 18 June 2026
But Niall arguably commits the deepest betrayal by sleeping with Ruben’s fiancée, Mona (Amy Manson), impregnating her, and keeping that information from Ruben for years.

— Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 29 May 2026

Definition of impregnate

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sat tight

saturate

saturated

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“Saturate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/saturate. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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