drench

verb

ˈdrench How to pronounce drench (audio)
Definition of drenchnext
Enter your own sentence containing drench , and get words to replace it.
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1
as in to wet
to make wet we were drenched by the sudden rainstorm

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to soak
to wet thoroughly with liquid when using the carpet shampooer, wet but do not drench the carpet

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of drench are impregnate, saturate, soak, and steep. While all these words mean "to permeate or be permeated with a liquid," drench implies a thorough wetting by something that pours down or is poured.

clothes drenched by a cloudburst

In what contexts can impregnate take the place of drench?

The words impregnate and drench can be used in similar contexts, but impregnate implies a thorough interpenetration of one thing by another.

a cake strongly impregnated with brandy

When might saturate be a better fit than drench?

The words saturate and drench are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, saturate implies a resulting effect of complete absorption until no more liquid can be held.

a saturated sponge

When could soak be used to replace drench?

While in some cases nearly identical to drench, soak implies usually prolonged immersion as for softening or cleansing.

soak the garment in soapy water

When would steep be a good substitute for drench?

The meanings of steep and drench largely overlap; 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 drench The establishing scenes of Islands feel like something out of a James M. Cain novel — a wily noir, in this case drenched in subtropical heat and blinding sunshine. — David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Feb. 2025 High-traffic areas require more durable materials: Silk may withstand drenching in a formal living room but not so much in a family room frequented by children and pets. — Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Feb. 2025 And veteran defenseman Erik Gudbranson was drenched in sweat after joining the Jackets for an optional morning skate, his first full wheel with his teammates. — Aaron Portzline, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025 This mudroom by Reath Design is drenched in Farrow & Ball’s Cook’s Blue. — Sydney Gore, Architectural Digest, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for drench
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drench
  1. wet
  2. soak
  3. drown
  4. saturate
  5. wash
  6. impregnate
  7. flood
Verb
  • Shivering in Cassidy’s arms, tears wetting her cheeks, naked, so vulnerable.
    — Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025
  • The weather will transition from sunny to wet from March 20 to March 31, that first week, with temperatures staying on the cooler side, the Old Farmer’s Almanac forecast said.
    — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacramento Bee, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of wet
Verb
  • Los Angeles and San Diego, which have missed out on more than 5 inches of typical rain since October, should see soaking rain after dark.
    — Mary Gilbert, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Spa-like bathrooms with steam showers, saunas, and soaking tubs provide the ultimate relaxation.
    — Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of soak
Verb
  • This blends well with many skin tones, not drowning out paler skin tones as brighter reds might do.
    — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The concertina wire installed by the state prevented agents from getting to immigrants, including in situations where immigrants attempting to cross were drowning in the river.
    — Anna Giaritelli, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of drown
Verb
  • Both Republican and Democratic leaders have supported the attempts to promote accurate news — and democratic values — in places that are saturated by foreign propaganda.
    — Brian Stelter, CNN, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Since retaining walls can be damaged if water saturates the soil behind them, make sure to build a retaining wall with drainage features.
    — Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of saturate
Verb
  • Judge Jeffrey Clothier, who was elected to Genesee County’s 67th District Court in January, said requiring as many as 100 shoplifters caught stealing from a local Walmart to wash cars for free would serve the community and possibly discourage others from stealing from the retail giant.
    — Landon Mion, Fox News, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Step 3: Clean The Shelves Use a sponge or wash cloth dipped in warm, soapy water to wipe off shelves.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of wash
Verb
  • Everett Collection There are, miraculously enough, two 2024 horror films about an American nun who joins a convent in Italy where she’s impregnated with something unholy as part of an evil Church plot.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2024
  • An Amber Alert has been issued for a pregnant Wisconsin teen, who police believe is with the 40-year-old man who impregnated her.
    — Julia Reinstein, ABC News, 5 Feb. 2025
Definition of impregnate
Verb
  • Or that people would flood his feed with recommendations for other places to try.
    — Sara Murphy, Charlotte Observer, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Carey’s home flooded with six feet of water during Hurricane Helene in September.
    — Hannah Schoenbaum, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of flood

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Cite this Entry

“Drench.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drench. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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