SUBMERSE Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

submerse

verb

səb-ˈmərs

Definition of submerse

as in to engulf

to cover with a flood a week of nonstop rain that submersed the cornfields and delayed planting for days

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to immerse

to sink or push (something) briefly into or as if into a liquid those hardy souls who daily submerse themselves in icy cold water for its invigorating effect

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 submerse People often submerse themselves in water to ease their suffering, allowing the worm to release larva that then infect others. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 2 Feb. 2026 The Downriver Mutual Aid Dive Team is expected to search water alongside eastbound Interstate 94 and Ecorse after a car was submersed in water after a crash. — Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 15 Oct. 2025 Its short and light body is easy to grip yet can take a drop or be submersed in up to 2 meters of water. — Hunter Fenollol, Popular Mechanics, 25 Apr. 2023 Pioneer Day gives families an opportunity to submerse themselves into that time period and to learn through hands on activity. — Gina Grillo, chicagotribune.com, 25 June 2019 Use an eyedropper to apply it or submerse the stain in the stuff for 15 minutes. — Caroline Picard, Good Housekeeping, 15 Nov. 2018 With gills that flare out when submersed, the salamander looks similar to the axolotl, a relative. — National Geographic, 19 June 2018 With rooms that open to the ocean for dining alfresco while above water, and large viewing galleries for taking in the marine life when submersed, the Migaloo creates that harmony. — Dave Banks, Fox News, 25 Apr. 2016

Recent Examples of Synonyms for submerse

Verb

The protest movement has added to a sense of uncertainty and crisis engulfing France six months ahead of a presidential election that could usher in the first far-right government since World War II, led by Le Pen’s National Rally.

— Reuters, NBC news, 13 Oct. 2026
These poignant and revealing journals cover the years after the financial disaster that engulfed Scott.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of engulf

Verb

From there, Moton was onto the hospital and immersed in a medical odyssey.

— Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026
Inspired by Ektachrome, a color-reversal film stock widely used during the 1970s, this presentation allows viewers to immerse themselves into the vivid colors and style of the 1973 Easter Island landscape.

— Tanya Fedak, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of immerse

Verb

The greatest concern is high tide through Sunday morning and swells from the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel could create dangerous conditions with beach erosion and seawater once again flooding beach roads and paths.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026
The urgency around courting nonaligned voters has been on display at recent debates, in ads flooding the airwaves and in the campaign money pouring into key states.

— Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of flood

Verb

On a senior-laden team with high expectations last season, there was no time for a sophomore like him to dip his feet into the pool to test the water at the varsity level.

— Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
The Orlane, an A-line midi that also comes in black, is lined and made from 100% wool—wear it with knee-high boots to keep warm as the temperatures dip.

— Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of dip

Verb

After submerging himself, Jay gets entangled in the tentacles of a giant squid, and that’s when the whale, who feeds on squid, pulls both Jay and the squid into his oversize gaping mouth.

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
Halfway through, Brill pulls out a machine that fills the stage with foam, submerging the actors in a cumulus of bubbles.

— Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of submerge

Verb

Family members believe Jilani drowned after becoming trapped in powerful water currents.

— Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Threats also remain from strong rip currents and large waves, which increase the risk of ocean drowning and could threaten to capsize small boats near shore.

— Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of drown

Verb

Bettany is by turns hilariously perplexed, in the universal manner of parents engaging with teens everywhere, and achingly tender, in the more unusual way of a robot letting himself be overwhelmed by feeling for the first time.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 12 Oct. 2026
Clashes last week between armed groups from rival communities in the central part of South Sudan left scores of people dead and overwhelmed a hospital with wounded people, officials said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of overwhelm

Browse Nearby Words

submerging

submerse

submersed

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“Submerse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/submerse. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of submerse

verb

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