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

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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
Use your hands: Since washcloths and sponges can irritate the skin, apply cleansers using your fingers, moving then over the skin in a circular motion. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 14 May 2025 The sponge helps increase contact time for even better results and is gentle enough to use on your face. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 14 May 2025
Verb
Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the baking soda and water solution and gently apply it lightly to the ceiling. —Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Mar. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for sponge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sponge
  1. parasite
  2. absorb
  3. beg
  4. drink
Noun
  • Water, shellfish and unwashed fruits and vegetables can also harbor infectious parasite eggs.
    — Bill Sullivan, The Conversation, 28 May 2025
  • The woman, whose name is redacted from the fire department’s report, said her friend Giancarlo decided to use a lighter to remove the blood-sucking parasite.
    — Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 20 May 2025
Definition of parasite
Verb
  • Many like Scooch are absorbing costs to maintain delivery schedules and customer trust. TeeTurtle, which manufactures over 80% of its product line in China, chose not to cancel or delay orders despite the tight margins.
    — Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 4 June 2025
  • Hair porosity influences how well hair absorbs water, oils, and hair care products.
    — Sherri Gordon, Health, 4 June 2025
Definition of absorb
Verb
  • Over the course of his prolific, three-decade career, the American filmmaker has established a signature aesthetic and working style that could convince any actor to beg him for a part — almost any actor.
    — Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 5 June 2025
  • Screengrabs from a viral video of a bathroom before it was renovated by Jaci Marie Smith after the previous owners of the home begged her not to do it.
    — Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
Definition of beg
Verb
  • This advisory is in effect until Friday at 9 p.m. NWS Heat Wave Safety Advice: Protect yourself with these recommendations Stay hydrated: Keep yourself well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2025
  • The event will include food, drink, a concert and more.
    — La Jolla Light, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2025
Definition of drink

Phrases Containing sponge

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spoliators
sponge
sponged
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Cite this Entry

“Sponge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sponge. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sponge

Nglish: Translation of sponge for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sponge

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