saturate 1 of 2

saturate

2 of 2

adjective

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of saturate are drench, impregnate, soak, and steep. While all these words mean "to permeate or be permeated with a liquid," saturate implies a resulting effect of complete absorption until no more liquid can be held.

a saturated sponge

In what contexts can drench take the place of saturate?

In some situations, the words drench and saturate are roughly equivalent. However, drench implies a thorough wetting by something that pours down or is poured.

clothes drenched by a cloudburst

When could impregnate be used to replace saturate?

While the synonyms impregnate and saturate are close in meaning, impregnate implies a thorough interpenetration of one thing by another.

a cake strongly impregnated with brandy

Where would soak be a reasonable alternative to saturate?

Although the words soak and saturate have much in common, soak implies usually prolonged immersion as for softening or cleansing.

soak the garment in soapy water

When would steep be a good substitute for saturate?

While in some cases nearly identical to saturate, 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 saturate
Verb
The program rolled out last May and saturated the county with violations, many of which a joint investigation by the Herald and Tributary found were unfairly issued, and raked in millions for the school district and BusPatrol. Clara-Sophia Daly, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2025 While beauty brands have been the avenue du jour for A-listers who want another venture (think: Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande, and now SZA), the market is saturated, so celebrities are looking elsewhere to make an extra buck (or a few million). Shannon Carroll, Quartz, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
To give the vinegar a longer working time, saturate paper towels and press them against the glass like wallpaper. Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 1 Mar. 2024 However, even when hair is dry and thick, experts advise washing at least twice a week to remove all the residues that can accumulate on the scalp, and that saturate and weaken the hair. Ana Morales, Vogue, 15 Aug. 2023 See All Example Sentences for saturate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for saturate
Verb
  • Photo : Anthony Barcelo A soaking tub holds court in the primary bath.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 23 May 2025
  • Generally, though, most people recover fine at home with Epsom salt soaks, a daily bandage change, and applying antibiotic ointment.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Similarly, a compelling brand becomes a key differentiator in saturated markets, where products and services often look alike.
    Raja Walia, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • Other experts have encouraged women to eat well and limit foods high in sodium or saturated fats, avoid drinking and smoking, and maintain a regular yoga practice.
    Carmen Rios, Flow Space, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Hundreds of caribou have drowned after breaking through the ice.
    Alec Luhn, Scientific American, 20 May 2025
  • New founders often drown prospects in features, not value.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • Trad rushed over to the passenger who needed help to find a man drenched with sweat and complaining of chest pain.
    Taylor Galgano, CNN Money, 18 May 2025
  • Elsewhere, a distraught young woman (Ortega) drenches a house’s interior with gasoline and sets it on fire, then drives to a gas station to refill her canister.
    Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • In 1961, his 13-year-old sister Kitty accused him of raping and impregnating her, according to Fred and Rose: The Full Story of Fred and Rose West and the Gloucester House of Horrors.
    Alex Gurley, People.com, 16 May 2025
  • Clothing impregnated with permethrin is another option.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • Now Welcoming Digital Nomads — What to Know Before Going From the moment travelers step onboard, they’re immersed in the essence of New Zealand.
    Amy Louise Bailey, Travel + Leisure, 19 May 2025
  • On the repeatability of wrinkling topography patterns in the fingers of water immersed human skin Extreme Mechanics Letters.
    Discover Magazine, Discover Magazine, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Saturate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/saturate. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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