1
as in wetting
to make wet
we were drenched by the sudden rainstorm
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2
as in soaking
to wet thoroughly with liquid
when using the carpet shampooer, wet but do not drench the carpet
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Recent Examples of drenching
Highlight the Shower with a Contrasting Tile Tile drenching a bathroom doesn’t mean the entire space needs to be covered with the same tile type.
—
Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Feb. 2026
While rain has been drenching California's Central Valley, snow has been pummeling the Sierra Nevada and Foothills into Tuesday, with more expected this week.
—Kayla Moeller, CBS News, 17 Feb. 2026
After weeks of dry and warm weather, powerful winter storms are expected to bring multiple days of drenching rain and heavy mountain snow to the western United States through the week, forecasters warned.
—Doyle Rice, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
Seen as an extension of the green drenching trend—where homeowners layer greens like compact conifers, ferns, evergreen shrubs, and vines to create a lush atmosphere—this garden design also provides a soothing backdrop.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 16 Feb. 2026
Then, a second winter of drenching storms triggered two more slides, including one that completely buried another section of California’s Highway 1 under 300,000 cubic yards of dirt, rock and debris.
—Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026
As two cars appeared to weigh the cost of moving forward, a tall wave crashed down onto the road, completely drenching one of the cars, as seen in the footage captured by Carmelo Magenta.
—Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
DIYers can create a cohesive look by painting the ceiling in a shade from the same color palette as the walls—just a bit lighter or darker—to give it subtle contrast without fully color-drenching the space.
—Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 29 Dec. 2025
In Good Time and Uncut Gems, his worship of all things kosmische created a peculiar contrast with the images on screen, drenching the brothers’ grainy tales of ’10s debauchery in the aura of an earlier time.
—Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 23 Dec. 2025
Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Feb. 2026
While rain has been drenching California's Central Valley, snow has been pummeling the Sierra Nevada and Foothills into Tuesday, with more expected this week.
—Kayla Moeller, CBS News, 17 Feb. 2026
After weeks of dry and warm weather, powerful winter storms are expected to bring multiple days of drenching rain and heavy mountain snow to the western United States through the week, forecasters warned.
—Doyle Rice, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
Seen as an extension of the green drenching trend—where homeowners layer greens like compact conifers, ferns, evergreen shrubs, and vines to create a lush atmosphere—this garden design also provides a soothing backdrop.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 16 Feb. 2026
Then, a second winter of drenching storms triggered two more slides, including one that completely buried another section of California’s Highway 1 under 300,000 cubic yards of dirt, rock and debris.
—Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026
As two cars appeared to weigh the cost of moving forward, a tall wave crashed down onto the road, completely drenching one of the cars, as seen in the footage captured by Carmelo Magenta.
—Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
DIYers can create a cohesive look by painting the ceiling in a shade from the same color palette as the walls—just a bit lighter or darker—to give it subtle contrast without fully color-drenching the space.
—Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 29 Dec. 2025
In Good Time and Uncut Gems, his worship of all things kosmische created a peculiar contrast with the images on screen, drenching the brothers’ grainy tales of ’10s debauchery in the aura of an earlier time.
—Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 23 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drenching
Verb
-
When cleaning your upholstered headboard, avoid over-wetting it.—
Kate Van Pelt,
The Spruce,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to avoid wetting the foliage when watering, which can encourage foliar disease.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Each room has a stand-alone soaking tub and steam shower.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Mar. 2026
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The primary suite has its own sitting area and a tranquil bathroom with an onyx shower and a soaking tub.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Brian Wilson died June 11, 2025, while drummer Dennis, the only surfer, despite the group's association with Southern California surfing culture, died after drowning in 1983.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
4 Mar. 2026
-
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Bruno Mars’ heroes are drowning in compliments.—
Brittany Spanos,
Pitchfork,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The first step, experts say, is saturating the skin with an essence (similar to a traditional toner) to boost moisture retention, followed by an emulsion in place of a standard moisturizer.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
6 Mar. 2026
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This Valentine’s Day, consider saturating your nails in a lush, deep red as rich as red velvet cake.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Is there anything more comfortable than slipping into bed after washing and drying your sheets?—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
7 Mar. 2026
-
The same rule applies to washing dishes in a dirty dishwasher.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Sealing granite surfaces with an impregnating sealer supplies protection against stains.—
Caitlin Sole,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Nov. 2025
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The financier had also spent decades aspiring to seed the human race with his DNA by impregnating women at his vast, secluded desert ranch in New Mexico.—
Shirsho Dasgupta,
Miami Herald,
15 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
There is a risk of flooding the home if the connections are not secure.—
Timothy Dale,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 Feb. 2026
-
And what about the scene when Mac has locked Bull in the room, which is flooding with water, until James [Osian Emlyn] stumbles across him and lets him out?—
K.J. Yossman,
Variety,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Drenching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drenching. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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