engulf

verb

in-ˈgəlf How to pronounce engulf (audio)
Definition of engulfnext
as in to flood
to cover with a flood high waves from the hurricane engulfed large areas of the coastal community

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 engulf The incoming rain could fall at rates of an inch per hour, raising the risk of flooding, mudslides and debris flows, especially in areas charred by the wildfires that engulfed whole neighborhoods earlier this year. — Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2025 On Saturday, 35 mph winds and downed trees fueled the Westhampton Pines Fire, creating huge plumes of smoke that engulfed the area, Romaine said. — Mirna Alsharif, NBC News, 9 Mar. 2025 Any positive vibe will be welcome and in stark contrast to the negative aura that engulfed last season’s NFC Championship reign. — Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2025 Upon arrival, officials found that both the vehicle and part of the home were engulfed in flames. — Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for engulf
Recent Examples of Synonyms for engulf
  1. flood
  2. overwhelm
  3. drown
  4. submerge
Verb
  • Or that people would flood his feed with recommendations for other places to try.
    — Sara Murphy, Charlotte Observer, 17 Mar. 2025
  • These floor-to-ceiling windows flood the home with natural light and frame breathtaking water views.
    — Karen A. Avitabile, Hartford Courant, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of flood
Verb
  • This data stored across multiple cloud environments, on-premises systems and SaaS applications has overwhelmed traditional classification methods.
    — Asaf Kochan, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The threat on European alcohol overwhelmed the positive inflation news.
    — Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of overwhelm
Verb
  • 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
  • Ovechkin’s goal did not get much of a big reaction since the Rangers are still in the playoff race and visiting fans do not show up at Madison Square Garden in enough of a group to drown out the home crowd.
    — Larry Fleisher, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of drown
Verb
  • Avoid basements or rooms where water has submerged electrical outlets or cords.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Add pasta, gently stirring to submerge in water; cook, stirring occasionally, according to package directions for al dente.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 2 Mar. 2025
Definition of submerge

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Cite this Entry

“Engulf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/engulf. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

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