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

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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

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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 Blurring the line between inside and out, traditional screens ease open to drench the space in soft, golden light, while low-slung furniture keeps the focus on the tranquil landscape beyond. —

Scott Campbell, theweek, 23 Dec. 2024 The most significant storm brought drenching rains and high winds Saturday, prompting the first-ever tornado warning in San Francisco, where wind gusts up to 80 mph caused widespread damage. —

Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 16 Dec. 2024 Heavy rain in forecast for the Northeast on New Year's Eve Behind Monday's storm, a second weather system is forecast to drench the East Coast from North Carolina to southern New England on Tuesday. —

Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 30 Dec. 2024 You're just drenched in sweat under all your fur coats. —

Nicholas Rice, People.com, 22 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for drench

Recent Examples of Synonyms for drench

Verb

The greed machine has already taken over the health care and banking industries and that success has wetted their appetites to rip off even more Americans.

— Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 2 Jan. 2025
This model can also mop the floors, lifting them when encountering carpets so as not to wet them.

— Gabriela Vatu, PCMAG, 8 Oct. 2024