Synonyms for

Sinking

Verb / ˈsɪŋkɪŋ / Another word for sinking — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

going down below the surface of a liquid

Synonyms & similar words

settle gounder pass dip sinkingfeeling sink drop falloff slump float godown slidedown subside dropdown bury lapse descending dropping submerging settling plunging falling slipping lowering dipping diving submerging floundering foundering collapsing crashing declining

Synonyms by register

Formal

submerging descending subsiding

Informal

going down plopping going under

Literary

foundering plunging submerging

Antonyms

floating rising emerging surfacing ascending buoyant

Common collocations

  • ship sinking
  • boat sinking
  • slowly sinking
  • rapidly sinking
  • sinking feeling
  • sinking sand
  • sinking into despair
  • sinking economy

Word family

noun sink
verb sink
adjective sunk

Usage note

Sinking primarily refers to the act of going down below the surface of a liquid. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a decline or a feeling of despair.

Example sentences

  1. The boat was sinking quickly.
  2. The anchor was sinking into the sand.
  3. The Titanic sank in 1912.
  4. The ship was sinking due to a hole in the hull.
  5. The water level was sinking in the lake.

Quotes

  • The ship was sinking fast, with people screaming, scrambling for lifeboats, and fighting for survival. - Richard Quest
  • A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are for. - William G.T. Shedd
  • I'm not sinking, I'm just learning how to swim. - Unknown

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