WordLens

sink

1 of 2verb
/sɪŋk/
Forms:sinks,sinking,sank,sunk
1

to go under below the surface of a particular substance such as water, sand, tar, mud, etc.

B1
  • The heavy rock sank quickly to the bottom of the lake, disappearing beneath the surface with a muted splash.
  • After a moment of hesitation, the buoyant balloon began to lose altitude and eventually sank into the calm ocean below.
  • As the tide came in, the sandy beach gradually began to sink beneath the rising water level.
  • The swimmer demonstrated how to sink effortlessly beneath the water's surface.
  • After the dam was breached, the low-lying areas downstream began to sink beneath the advancing flood.
Synonyms:
dropdrop down
2

to make something such as a ship submerge

transitive
  • The captain decided to sink the old ship deliberately, creating an artificial reef.
  • The weight of the cargo sank the small boat in the middle of the lake.
  • The strong winds and heavy rain sank the ship, sending it to the ocean floor.
  • The divers used weights to sink the wreckage of the sunken ship for further exploration.
3

(of ships, boats, etc.) to move downward beneath the surface of a body of water

  • As the ship took on water, it began to sink slowly into the depths of the ocean.
  • After the accident, the wreckage of the plane started to sink into the lake.
  • The old wooden ship, worn by time, eventually began to sink beneath the waves.
  • As the boat took on water, it began to slowly sink, causing alarm among the passengers.
Synonyms:
go downsettlego under
Antonyms:
float
4

to gradually move downward into a particular substance

  • As he stepped onto the sandy beach, his toes sank into the warm grains.
  • Walking on the freshly fallen snow, the child's boots sank into the soft, powdery surface.
  • The hiker felt a satisfying sensation as her shoes sank into the lush moss covering the forest floor.
  • The cat stretched and sank its claws into the velvety texture of the sofa.
  • The toddler giggled as her hands sank into the sensory bin filled with colorful rice.
Synonyms:
subside
5

to drop in value, amount, strength, etc.

C1
  • After the economic downturn, the value of the currency began to sink.
  • As the winter progressed, the temperature continued to sink.
  • The morale in the office began to sink as employees learned about the impending layoffs.
  • With increasing competition, the demand for the product began to sink in the market.
Synonyms:
fall offslump
6

to gradually move downward, often due to the force of gravity

  • As the air pressure decreased, the helium balloon began to sink toward the ground.
  • After the collapse of the old building, the rubble began to sink into the foundation.
  • As the temperature dropped, the hot air balloon began to sink back to the ground.
  • When the support beams weakened, the entire structure began to sink slowly.
  • He watched the sun slowly sink below the horizon.
Synonyms:
dip
7

to dig a hole and place an object into the soil

transitive
  • The construction workers used machinery to sink the beams into the foundation of the building.
  • The farmer sank wooden stakes into the earth to mark the boundaries of the field.
  • The construction worker sank metal rods into the ground to support the foundation of the building.
  • She sank a signpost into the soil at the entrance to the park.
  • The gardener sank flower bulbs into the flowerbed to plant them.
Synonyms:
bury
8

to lower oneself gradually and intentionally

  • She decided to sink into the comfortable chair, enjoying a moment of relaxation.
  • The yoga instructor instructed the class to take a deep breath and sink into a seated meditation pose.
  • After a tiring day, she chose to sink into the soft pillows of her bed for a restful sleep.
  • With a graceful movement, the dancer seemed to sink into a low crouch.
Synonyms:
slide downslump
9

to do something that prevents someone or something from achieving success

transitive
  • Her constant negativity began to sink the team's morale.
  • The unexpected financial setbacks threatened to sink the small business.
  • The rumors about the CEO's questionable decisions started to sink the company's reputation.
  • The negative reviews from influential critics threatened to sink the film's chances at the box office.
10

to cause something to go into a certain substance

transitive
  • He sank the knife into the butter with ease, cutting through the smooth surface.
  • She decided to sink her hands into the warm soil, planting the seeds for the garden.
  • The carpenter sank the nails deep into the wood with a few swift hammer strikes.
  • She sank the shovel into the soft earth, preparing to plant the tree.