sink
6 synonyms and 1 antonyms for sink, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To go down below the surface of water or another liquid, or to cause something to do so.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use sink
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English sincan, from Proto-Germanic roots meaning "to fall or sink."
Full origin of sink →Frequently asked questions
What does “sink” mean?
The word “sink” means to go down below the surface of water or another liquid, or to cause something to do so. In plain terms, going downward into something (water, mood) or the basin you wash things in.
How do you pronounce “sink”?
“Sink” is pronounced SIHNGK (/ˈsɪŋk/ in IPA).
How do you use “sink” in a sentence?
Here is “sink” used in a sentence: “Rocks in his pockets caused him to sink quickly.”
What is the opposite of “sink”?
The opposite of “sink” — its antonyms — is antonym(s) of.
What part of speech is “sink”?
Depending on how it is used, “sink” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “sink” come from?
The word “sink” comes from Old English. From Old English sincan, from Proto-Germanic roots meaning "to fall or sink.".
Is “sink” a common word?
“Sink” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “sink” have?
“Sink” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to go down below the surface of water or another liquid, or to cause something to do so.
What is the difference between 'sink,' 'sank,' and 'sunk'?
'Sink' is the present tense, 'sank' is the standard simple past ('the boat sank'), and 'sunk' is the past participle used with 'have' or 'had' ('the boat has sunk'). 'Sunk' is also increasingly accepted as a simple past in informal use, but 'sank' remains the preferred past-tense form in careful writing.
What is the difference between 'sink' and 'drown'?
To 'sink' means to go down below the surface of a liquid, and it can apply to objects, boats, or people. To 'drown' specifically means to die from being unable to breathe under water, and it applies to living things. A stone sinks but cannot drown.
What is the difference between 'sink' and 'sync'?
'Sink' means to go down below a liquid's surface, or the basin you wash in, and it is unrelated in meaning to 'sync.' 'Sync' is short for 'synchronize,' meaning to match timing or data. They sound the same but are spelled differently and mean different things.