sponge 1 of 2

noun

ˈspənj How to pronounce sponge (audio)
Definition of spongenext
as in parasite
a person who is supported by or seeks support from another without making an adequate return finally told the sponge to move out of their house and to get a job

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sponge

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to absorb
to take in (something liquid) through small openings the ground quickly sponged up the much-needed rain

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to beg
to live by relying on someone else's generosity or hospitality without sharing in the cost or responsibility she's been sponging off of her friends while she tries to land an entry-level job on Wall Street

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun sponge differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of sponge are leech, parasite, sycophant, and toady. While all these words mean "a usually obsequious flatterer or self-seeker," sponge stresses the parasitic laziness, dependence, and opportunism of the cadger.

a shiftless sponge, always looking for a handout

When might leech be a better fit than sponge?

The words leech and sponge are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, leech stresses persistence in clinging to or bleeding another for one's own advantage.

a leech living off his family and friends

When can parasite be used instead of sponge?

The meanings of parasite and sponge largely overlap; however, parasite applies to one who clings to a person of wealth, power, or influence or is useless to society.

a jet-setter with an entourage of parasites

When would sycophant be a good substitute for sponge?

The synonyms sycophant and sponge are sometimes interchangeable, but sycophant adds to this a strong suggestion of fawning, flattery, or adulation.

a powerful prince surrounded by sycophants

In what contexts can toady take the place of sponge?

In some situations, the words toady and sponge are roughly equivalent. However, toady emphasizes the servility and snobbery of the self-seeker.

cultivated leaders of society and became their toady

Example Sentences

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 sponge
Noun
Consequently, much of the nation’s housing growth has moved to states in the South and Southwest, where a surplus of open land and willingness to sprawl has turned the Sun Belt into a kind of national sponge that sops up housing demand from higher-cost cities. —Conor Dougherty, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025 Best of all, complexion brushes are also a much more sustainable choice than makeup sponges due to their durability and reusability. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
Advertisement When Rick and Chelsea first got off the boat in Episode 1, viewers may have assumed this was a typical May-December romance, with Chelsea sponging off Rick's riches and Rick flaunting a young girlfriend. —Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 9 Mar. 2025 Spray or sponge the solution on and sprinkle the stain with more baking soda. —Louryn Strampe, WIRED, 9 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sponge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sponge
  1. parasite
  2. absorb
  3. beg
  4. drink
Noun
  • Thanks to modern medicine, people in the United States rarely deal with parasites.
    — Breanne Hayes Haney, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
  • This LifeStraw, 20 percent off for a pack of two, is proven to filter out 99.9 percent of waterborne bacteria and parasites.
    — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of parasite
Verb
  • This form of creatine is less bioavailable than creatine monohydrate, meaning your body doesn't absorb it as well.
    — Jillian Kubala, Health, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Because when so many Americans are tightening grocery budgets, scaling back meals, and absorbing the daily drip of scarcity, a pass that promises a burger a day doesn’t feel indulgent.
    — Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of absorb
Verb
  • In turn, Julian begged his ex to destroy the incriminating papers for the sake of their family.
    — Sabienna Bowman, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The other woman begs her not to, but Sofia is determined.
    — Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of beg
Verb
  • Get news about destinations, plus the latest in aviation, food and drink, and where to stay.
    — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 12 Apr. 2025
  • The midshipmen poured water into the cup, taking turns drinking from it in a victory celebration.
    — Tyrone Turner, NPR, 12 Apr. 2025
Definition of drink

Phrases Containing sponge

Browse Nearby Words

spoliators
sponge
sponged
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sponge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sponge. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on sponge

Nglish: Translation of sponge for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sponge

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Words in Disguise: Do these seem familiar?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

'Blue Moon,' 'Wolf Moon,' and Other Moons to Look for Throughout the Year

10 Scrabble Words Without Any Vowels
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
name that thing flower edition
Name That Flower Can you tell the difference between a lilac and a...
See All