as in to drown
to put (food, such as meat or fish) in a sauce for a period of time to add flavor or tenderize
The recipe says that you should marinate the chicken overnight.
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Recent Examples of marinate
This matching set of baking dishes includes a large size that's great for making desserts and casseroles, roasting vegetables, marinating meats, broiling fish, and more, and a smaller one for breading and prep work.
—
Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 5 Jan. 2026
At Botiwalla in Optimist Hall, the malai chicken, marinated in cream, ginger, garlic, yogurt, and cardamom — among many other Indian street food menu items — puts these spices front and center.
—Sunny Hubler, Charlotte Observer, 5 Jan. 2026
Klinger recommends to steam it before marinating to reduce bitterness, and then grill, pan-sear, or crumble it into recipes.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 12 Dec. 2025
Whatever magic glue holds the two together, the guest verses needed more time marinating and less of whatever’s frying them around the edges in the mix.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for marinate
Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 5 Jan. 2026
At Botiwalla in Optimist Hall, the malai chicken, marinated in cream, ginger, garlic, yogurt, and cardamom — among many other Indian street food menu items — puts these spices front and center.
—Sunny Hubler, Charlotte Observer, 5 Jan. 2026
Klinger recommends to steam it before marinating to reduce bitterness, and then grill, pan-sear, or crumble it into recipes.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 12 Dec. 2025
Whatever magic glue holds the two together, the guest verses needed more time marinating and less of whatever’s frying them around the edges in the mix.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for marinate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for marinate
Verb
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In June 2001, Andrea drowned all five of the Yates children before calling 911 and later confessing.—
Jordana Comiter,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
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Like the leaves, the roots need oxygen so too much water around them will effectively drown them.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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These ingredients are each separately macerated in a neutral grain base spirit made from wheat for a total of two weeks, and then those spirits are distilled at low temperature.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
9 Jan. 2026
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For an elevated dessert, drizzle over vanilla ice cream and top with cut or macerated strawberries or peaches.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
30 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Allow the socks to soak at least 8 hours or overnight, and then wash in warm or hot water with a good quality detergent.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
13 Jan. 2026
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Laurie Haller, of Costa Mesa, was soaking her foot Monday morning to ease the pain following her seventh stingray hit that happened just four feet from shore.—
Laylan Connelly,
Oc Register,
13 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Marinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/marinate. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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