spongy

adjective

ˈspən-jē 

spongier; spongiest

1

: resembling a sponge:

a

: soft and full of cavities

spongy ice

b

: elastic, porous, and absorbent

2

a

: not firm or solid

b

: being in the form of a metallic sponge

spongy iron

3

: moist and soft like a sponge full of water

a spongy moor

sponginess noun

Synonyms of spongy

• soft
• floppy
• squishy
• mushy

Examples of spongy in a Sentence

spongy moss covered the ground

generously pour the brandy over the cake, which is so spongy that it will absorb most of the liquid

Recent Examples on the Web

My older son noticed how the ground got spongier in the primary forest. —Idra Novey, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025

It was later discovered that Jazzy’s fluid buildup was due to acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow — the spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are made, according to the Mayo Clinic. —Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 3 Nov. 2025

Stacking them on top of each other had only spread the grit into the spongy pores beneath the caps, speeding up their decay. —Callie Sumlin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 Oct. 2025

With a neutral flavor and slightly chewy, spongy texture, this bread would hold up well for sandwiches of any size. —Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing spongy

• spongy moth
• spongy parenchyma

Rhymes for spongy

• bungee

Kids Definition

spongy

adjective

ˈspən-jē 

spongier; spongiest

: resembling a sponge in appearance or in ability to absorb : soft and full of holes or moisture

sponginess noun

Medical Definition

spongy

adjective

ˈspən-jē 

spongier; spongiest

: resembling a sponge

especially : full of cavities : cancellous

spongy bone

sponginess noun