soak up

phrasal verb

soaked up; soaking up; soaks up

: to take in (liquid) : absorb

The rag soaked up most of the water.

: to enjoy feeling or experiencing (something pleasant) in usually a slow or relaxed way

We went to the beach and soaked up the sun/sunshine all afternoon.

I sat at my table for an hour soaking up the atmosphere of the café.

The performers stood on the stage, soaking up the applause.

: to learn and remember (something) quickly

He eagerly soaked up every word she said.

She has an ability to soak up new information very quickly.

: to use a large amount of (money, supplies, etc.)

This project is soaking up resources that could be used elsewhere.

Examples of soak up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This allows the shrimp to thaw gradually. Place the bag of frozen shrimp on a paper-towel lined baking sheet or platter so that any leaks from the bag are soaked up. —

Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2024 Soil has a finite capacity; global soils cannot perpetually soak up carbon. —

Jessica Rawnsley, WIRED, 18 Apr. 2024 Amble along Main Street and the Bearskin Neck peninsula and soak up the artsy vibes. —

Amy Thomas, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2024 There’s a general flow to the meal—usually sashimi and cold dishes in the beginning, fried and grilled things towards the middle, and then a rice or udon at the end, a bit of starch to fill you up and soak up the alcohol. —

Jessica Carbone, Saveur, 3 Apr. 2024 The sewerage district is working to soak up more rainfall by restoring habitat and creating more green infrastructure. —

Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2024 Tara Lipinski is soaking up the special moments on her daughter's first Easter. —

Angela Andaloro, Peoplemag, 1 Apr. 2024 In one photo, Beckham and David soak up the sun while lying on a pair of chaise lounge chairs. —

USA TODAY, 31 Mar. 2024 Even now, with the scaffolding dismantled and the panels beginning to soak up the late-winter sunlight, critics are eager to point out why the project was a mistake. —

Mark Landler, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'soak up.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.