IMPREGNATION Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

impregnate

verb

im-ˈpreg-ˌnāt

Definition of impregnate next

as in to soak

to wet thoroughly with liquid impregnated the cloth with furniture polish

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Apollo Records ambient-house longplayer impregnated with weed smoke, working simultaneously from the intractable computer logic of vintage IDM and the loose rules of a jam session. —

Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 30 Mar. 2026 The cliffhanger of the previous season, which saw Lister impregnated by his female self from an alternate universe, is dismissed with a pre-episode text crawl parodying Star Wars, which irreverently moved way too fast to read. —

Robert Lea, Space.com, 14 Mar. 2026 Sgualdo’s feature debut tells the story of 15-year-old Emma, who’s impregnated after being raped. —

Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 8 Mar. 2026 Epstein famously discussed plans to impregnate multiple women at his New Mexico ranch in order to seed the human race with his DNA. —

Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for impregnate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for impregnate

Verb

Bathrooms boast soaking tubs and double shower heads, and closets contain straw beach totes, hats, and a yoga mat for use while on property.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
Use this solution to blot the top layer of the mattress, trying to moisten and gently rub versus soak the mattress.

— Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 16 May 2026