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

Gunshots followed by an inferno Police responded to the home on Sunday evening and heard gunshots coming from out back, just before the house was completely engulfed in flames.

— Matthew Brown, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Police responded to the home on Sunday evening and heard gunshots coming from out back, just before the house was completely engulfed in flames.

— CBS News, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of engulf

Verb

Bucci wanted to immerse himself in the centre of the international show jumping world.

— Gemma Redrup, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
At the restaurant, tables plonked in the sand feel intimate and experiential as well as immersed in the changing colors of the sunset sky.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of immerse

Verb

The combination of storm surge and tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline.

— MIAMI HERALD HURRICANE BOT, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026
And on July 12, 2008, two undocumented immigrants drowned as a wash near Nogales flooded in a heavy thunderstorm.

— N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of flood

Verb

The gathered detailing on the backrest of this velvety loveseat looks as if the couch was dipped in chocolate.

— Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026
After dipping its toes into beauty, Old Navy has refined its strategy and is gearing up for a nationwide rollout.

— Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of dip

Verb

In Nepal, images showed roads buried beneath thick layers of mud, homes partially submerged and survivors being carried or transported to safer areas.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
In the affected areas, houses, trees and vehicles were seen submerged or buried in mudslides.

— Reuters, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of submerge

Verb

Deputies riding Sea-Doos on July 18 rescued three swimmers not wearing life jackets who were close to drowning on Petite Lake in unincorporated Lake Villa.

— Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
The turbine room could have filled with water if the emergency shutdown systems failed, potentially drowning anyone inside.

— Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of drown

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 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of submerse

verb

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