SUBMERSE Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

submerse

verb

səb-ˈmərs

Definition of submerse

as in to engulf

to cover with a flood a week of nonstop rain that submersed the cornfields and delayed planting for days

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to immerse

to sink or push (something) briefly into or as if into a liquid those hardy souls who daily submerse themselves in icy cold water for its invigorating effect

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 submerse People often submerse themselves in water to ease their suffering, allowing the worm to release larva that then infect others. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 2 Feb. 2026 The Downriver Mutual Aid Dive Team is expected to search water alongside eastbound Interstate 94 and Ecorse after a car was submersed in water after a crash. — Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 15 Oct. 2025 Its short and light body is easy to grip yet can take a drop or be submersed in up to 2 meters of water. — Hunter Fenollol, Popular Mechanics, 25 Apr. 2023 Pioneer Day gives families an opportunity to submerse themselves into that time period and to learn through hands on activity. — Gina Grillo, chicagotribune.com, 25 June 2019 Use an eyedropper to apply it or submerse the stain in the stuff for 15 minutes. — Caroline Picard, Good Housekeeping, 15 Nov. 2018 With gills that flare out when submersed, the salamander looks similar to the axolotl, a relative. — National Geographic, 19 June 2018 With rooms that open to the ocean for dining alfresco while above water, and large viewing galleries for taking in the marine life when submersed, the Migaloo creates that harmony. — Dave Banks, Fox News, 25 Apr. 2016

Recent Examples of Synonyms for submerse

Verb

On Saturday alone, at least 2,400 people were arrested after rioters in cities across France clashed with police, set cars on fire, stormed public buildings, looted stores and engulfed a historic city hall in flames.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026
This is against the backdrop of the French government imposing a curfew and many businesses and some famous tourist attractions shutting down amid the wave of violence that engulfed sections of Paris and other cites around the country.

— Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of engulf

Verb

Beigel, who previously worked with FBI officers while helming the ESPN 30for30 documentary The Counterfeiter, spent approximately three years immersing himself in the Loofe case.

— Samantha Bergeson, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
Doherty, reconnecting with Scotland during visits to see his mother, immersed himself in gritty British cinema by filmmakers Shane Meadows and Ken Loach, as well as music by Massive Attack, Siouxsie and the Banshees and PJ Harvey.

— SPIN Staff, SPIN, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of immerse

Verb

To make way for what will be the third reservoir to serve the canal, an area of more than 11,000 acres that is currently home to schools, churches, farms and cemeteries will have to be flooded and at least 1,600 residents re-homed.

— Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026
In the post-George Floyd era, some young adults have been reluctant to become police officers compared to the days when departments were flooded with applications from eager jobseekers.

— Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of flood

Verb

As for gas, it has usually been treated as a waste product to be burned off; because there are so few pipelines to bring it to market, West Texas gas prices have even dipped negative this year.

— Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Uncover dough, dip your hand in water and stretch one side of dough up and over to meet opposite side; turn bowl 90°.

— Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of dip

Verb

On the greatest album of all time, her voice is less affected yet further out of reach, persistently clouded by AutoTune and sometimes submerged under the beats, so only her sibilants break the surface.

— Walden Green, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026
In his lab, mold has appeared only under deliberately extreme conditions, like submerging beans in water for hours and then exposing them to air for days.

— Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of submerge

Verb

Resilient people experience life’s typical ups and downs, but their senses don’t overwhelm them.

— Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Swain settled in this preseason, showing an improved progression in his decision making when he was not overwhelmed by on-ball duties.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of overwhelm

Browse Nearby Words

submerging

submerse

submersed

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“Submerse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/submerse. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of submerse

verb

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