soak up

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

The barrels spent their lifetime maturing on Coy Hill on the top floor of Barrelhouse 1-13, soaking up flavor and making at least one angel very drunk. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 9 Aug. 2026

Take your time meandering through the wilderness and soaking up the views from the observation deck near Corlieu Falls. — Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Aug. 2026

Yet, the long-staple cotton is designed to absorb without soaking up all the water. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 7 Aug. 2026

Wake to morning rambles through the Cotswolds, soak up the thermal waters of Bath, try your hand at punting on Cambridge’s River Cam, or wander the eclectic streets and shops of Brighton. — Katie Silcox, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2026

Rhymes for soak up

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