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
Above all, The Love Seat hosts are looking forward to soaking up all the priceless and precious moments with their son.
—
Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
To soak up the view, ride up some 11,500 feet on the scenic gondola at the Arizona Snowbowl, then visit Oak Creek Canyon to see the mosaic of colorful aspens and maples in Coconino National Forest.
—Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 20 Oct. 2025
How To Get Rid Of Grease Stains For really oily, greasy stains, start by coating them with a layer of cornstarch or baking soda to soak up some of the grease.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2025
Lomo saltado, a uniquely Peruvian steak stir-fry, which traditionally comes with French fries, is plated with the fries hidden beneath tender meat and onions, soaking up all the flavorful drippings and making an accompanying portion of fluffy white rice seem nearly unnecessary.
—Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for soak up
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Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
To soak up the view, ride up some 11,500 feet on the scenic gondola at the Arizona Snowbowl, then visit Oak Creek Canyon to see the mosaic of colorful aspens and maples in Coconino National Forest.
—Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 20 Oct. 2025
How To Get Rid Of Grease Stains For really oily, greasy stains, start by coating them with a layer of cornstarch or baking soda to soak up some of the grease.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2025
Lomo saltado, a uniquely Peruvian steak stir-fry, which traditionally comes with French fries, is plated with the fries hidden beneath tender meat and onions, soaking up all the flavorful drippings and making an accompanying portion of fluffy white rice seem nearly unnecessary.
—Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for soak up
Cite this Entry
“Soak up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soak%20up. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.
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