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 next

as in to soak

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

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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

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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

Bulbs placed in small panels bathe the eyes and brain, while large panels saturate the entire body with non-ionizing radiation such as that in radio waves and microwaves. —

Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 31 Jan. 2026 Even beyond the runtimes, there’s a strange, extratemporal feeling saturating this project. —

Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 29 Jan. 2026

Adjective

Fully saturate mid-lengths to ends, avoiding your scalp entirely. —

Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2025 Alternatively, saturate cotton balls with essential oil and place them near all possible entry points. —

Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for saturate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for saturate

Verb

Make sure to use a damp mop rather than a soaking wet one, or use a floor spray designed for hardwood floors and a dry cleaning pad to clean the surface.

— Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
For extra protection, Stowell suggests soaking strawberries in a mixture of one part white vinegar to three parts water for five to 10 minutes, then rinsing thoroughly.

— Daryl Austin, USA Today, 14 Feb. 2026

Definition of soak

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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 16 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 16 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of saturate

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