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

More ingredient call-outs include lupine protein, which has anti-aging properties, glycerin, which acts as a nourishing emollient, and kaolin, which soaks up and controls oil production. —Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 20 Jan. 2026

We are obsessed and Charlie is soaking up her first and last weeks as an only child. —Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 20 Jan. 2026

Similar to cleaning urine stains, if the blood on your mattress is fresh, then start the process by soaking up excess liquid with a paper towel before cleaning the area. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2026

Leave time for a ride on the Sandia Peak Tramway to soak up postcard-worthy mountain views. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 16 Jan. 2026

Rhymes for soak up

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