ENGULF Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

engulf

verb

in-ˈgəlf

Definition of engulf

as in to flood

to cover with a flood high waves from the hurricane engulfed large areas of the coastal community

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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 Middle East remains engulfed in conflict, and the region is nowhere near the peace this prize supposedly celebrates. — James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026 Skeletons stand as tall as roof lines, porches are engulfed in spider webs, and front yards turn into grave sites. — Michelle Mastro, Midwest Living, 9 Oct. 2026 The collision on the narrow two-lane highway ignited a fire that engulfed the 17-passenger mid-sized commercial shuttle bus, which had a 50-year-old driver and five passengers onboard, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. — Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026 At that point, the film pivots to a more surreal register, presenting bright, clear skies that are slowly, eerily engulfed in darkness. — Lé Baltar, IndieWire, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for engulf

Recent Examples of Synonyms for engulf

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

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

Verb

After submerging himself, Jay gets entangled in the tentacles of a giant squid, and that’s when the whale, who feeds on squid, pulls both Jay and the squid into his oversize gaping mouth.

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
Halfway through, Brill pulls out a machine that fills the stage with foam, submerging the actors in a cumulus of bubbles.

— Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of submerge

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engrossment

engulf

engulfed

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“Engulf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/engulf. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of engulf

verb

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