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

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

Synonym Chooser

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

Why Wood Drenching Is Trending in 2025 Much of wood drenching's popularity comes down to the natural evolution of trends: After years of cool neutrals saturating homes, warm and cozy tones have taken over, culminating in Pantone choosing Mocha Mousse as its 2025 Color of the Year. —

Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Jan. 2025 My days are saturated with a consciousness of the future, and unfold like ongoing reactions to what’s to come. —

Joshua Rothman, The New Yorker, 7 Jan. 2025

Adjective

However, even when hair is dry and thick, experts advise washing at least twice a week to remove all the residues that can accumulate on the scalp, and that saturate and weaken the hair. —

Ana Morales, Vogue, 15 Aug. 2023 To use, spray directly on the stain and saturate well. —

Brandi Fuller, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 June 2023 See all Example Sentences for saturate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for saturate

Verb

Think cloud-like beds, balconies that hover over the ocean, soaking tubs meant for two, and roomy showers with windows that overlook the ocean.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2025
Couples treatments here are not to be missed; a lavish duet suite boasts side-by-side soaking tubs and treatment tables.

— Ariel Okin, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2025