General synonyms:
* Swallowing: This implies complete absorption, like swallowing food.
* Submerging: This emphasizes being covered in something, like water.
* Encompassing: This suggests a broad, all-encompassing coverage.
* Surrounding: This implies being completely surrounded by something.
* Overwhelming: This emphasizes the power and force of the engulfing element.
* Consuming: This implies a sense of destruction or taking over completely.
More specific synonyms:
* Devouring: This implies a forceful and destructive engulfment.
* Inundating: This suggests being overwhelmed by a large amount of something, often water.
* Suffocating: This emphasizes a feeling of being trapped or suffocated.
* Overtaking: This suggests a sense of being overtaken or taken over by something.
The best synonym to use depends on the specific context and the desired tone.