Synonym Chooser

How is the word impregnate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of impregnate are drench, saturate, soak, and steep. While all these words mean "to permeate or be permeated with a liquid," impregnate implies a thorough interpenetration of one thing by another.

a cake strongly impregnated with brandy

When could drench be used to replace impregnate?

While in some cases nearly identical to impregnate, drench implies a thorough wetting by something that pours down or is poured.

clothes drenched by a cloudburst

When might saturate be a better fit than impregnate?

The words saturate and impregnate can be used in similar contexts, but saturate implies a resulting effect of complete absorption until no more liquid can be held.

a saturated sponge

Where would soak be a reasonable alternative to impregnate?

While the synonyms soak and impregnate are close in meaning, soak implies usually prolonged immersion as for softening or cleansing.

soak the garment in soapy water

In what contexts can steep take the place of impregnate?

In some situations, the words steep and impregnate are roughly equivalent. 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 impregnate In one of his first major film roles, Anthony Mackie plays a newly unemployed executive who, desperate for money, agrees to impregnate his lesbian ex-girlfriend (Kerry Washington) and all her friends. Tim Grierson, Vulture, 16 Aug. 2025 He's offered to impregnate women he's never met, including Taylor Swift. PC Magazine, 28 July 2025 The father had reportedly impregnated his daughter in the past, according to the serious incident report. Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 17 July 2025 In order to keep Superman's nose out of his business, he's impregnated the whole thing with kryptonite. Richard Edwards, Space.com, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for impregnate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impregnate
Verb
  • Larger suites come with expansive bathrooms featuring standalone tubs (stocked with plenty of fragrant lotions and potions for soaking, all from the in-house brand The Erose) as well as your very own steam room, with a window that glimpses across the rooftops of Venice.
    Liam Hess, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2025
  • If your napkin is saturated in grease, soaking it in a diluted vinegar mixture will help remove the greasy feel and smell while also softening the fibers.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker has asked Tarrant County faith leaders to come to City Council meetings and saturate them in prayer.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Oct. 2025
  • For hardened drops, saturate a cotton ball and place it on the drop for several minutes before wiping away.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • As commissioner Cathy Engelbert took the microphone to congratulate the Las Vegas Aces and crown them the WNBA champions, fans in Phoenix drowned out her message with relentless booing.
    Shannon Ryan, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
  • His pre-teen son in tow, Luis joins up with a crusty group of dancers who are heading to a secret party in the heart of the desert, where the beats will be loud enough to drown out the sounds of the apocalyptic war that’s brewing around them.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The remnants of the former hurricane drenched much of the state with several inches of rain, but forecasters expect the wet and warm weather to finally dry out and cool down.
    Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 13 Oct. 2025
  • For Slusser, the Seaquarium holds countless memories — from watching killer whales drench the audience during their shows to seeing nurse sharks and manatees being fed.
    Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Let apples stand at room temperature fat least 1 hour or up to 24 hours to macerate and release their juices, stirring occasionally.
    Staff Author, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Sep. 2025
  • There are croissants, bagels, fresh mint, and macerated cherries, suggesting the existence of a sleepover macerater hidden somewhere in Heather’s penthouse.
    Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impregnate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impregnate. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on impregnate

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