soak up

phrasal verb

soaked up; soaking up; soaks up

1

: to take in (liquid) : absorb

The rag soaked up most of the water.

2

: 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.

3

: 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.

4

: 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

During their getaway, the couple appeared to not only soak up the sun but also swim with sharks, as a video shows them cage diving surrounded by several curious sharks. —Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025

Experts and travel blogs often highlight Anguilla as a remote, exclusive escape free of shopping malls, cruise ships and high-rises where travelers can soak up crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches and fresh seafood feasts. —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2025

Plan to spend a full morning and/or afternoon soaking up the sun on property while enjoying poolside food and drinks with your girls. —Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2025

With both beach and poolside service, there are plenty of places to lounge and soak up the sun. —Kate Van Dyke, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025

Rhymes for soak up

• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup
• markup