saturated

adjective

sat·​u·​rat·​ed ˈsa-chə-ˌrā-təd 

1

: full of moisture : made thoroughly wet

a saturated sponge

2

a

of a solution : unable to absorb or dissolve any more of a solute at a given temperature and pressure

If more material is added to a saturated solution, no further dissolving will take place. The extra material will simply settle to the bottom of the solution.

—Merill C. Fellger

b

: having no double or triple bonds between carbon atoms in a hydrocarbon chain

—used especially of an oil, fat, or fatty acid

saturated fatty acids

see also saturated fat compare unsaturated sense b

3

of a color : having high saturation (see saturation sense 4) : pure

The early spring sky is a deep saturated blue next to the muddy brown of the dry, scrubby hills …

—Sonia Shaw

Synonyms of saturated

• dripping
• bathed
• saturate
• soaked
• wet
• flooded
• washed
• soaking

Examples of saturated in a Sentence

His shirt was saturated with sweat.

the area's already saturated freeways

Recent Examples on the Web

Inspired by the rich cobalt hue long created by Yves Klein, Cold Picnic's International Yves rug delivers a saturated dose of color while still playing nicely with a neutral palette. — Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 9 July 2026

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

Smith says gravitating toward more saturated greens and blues, like peacock blue, or toward shades on the opposite end of the color wheel (think coral or seashell pink) can be a good place to start. — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1728, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing saturated

• saturated fat

Rhymes for saturated

• abdicated
• abrogated
• acclimated
• activated
• actuated
• adumbrated
• advocated
• aggravated
• aggregated
• agitated
• allocated
• alternated

Kids Definition

saturated

adjective

sat·​u·​rat·​ed

ˈsach-ə-ˌrāt-əd

1

: full of moisture

2

a

: being a mixture that is unable to absorb or dissolve any more of a substance at a given temperature and pressure

b

: being a carbon compound having no double or triple bonds between carbon atoms

saturated fats

Medical Definition

saturated

adjective

sat·​u·​rat·​ed ˈsach-ə-ˌrāt-əd 

1

of a solution : unable to absorb or dissolve any more of a solute at a given temperature and pressure

2

: having no double or triple bonds between carbon atoms in a hydrocarbon chain

—used especially of an oil, fat, or fatty acid

coconut oil is a saturated oil

see also saturated fat compare unsaturated sense b