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

In addition to acquiring new jewelry (which also includes a gold piece made out of her umbilical cord), Cardi has been soaking up life with her newborn, whose name has not been revealed yet. —Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 8 Dec. 2025

Both listening and active sonar can be foiled by coating the boat with rubber tiles, which absorb noise coming from inside the hull and soak up sonar beams striking the vessel. —New Atlas, 7 Dec. 2025

Adams, an early childhood professional with over 20 years of experience, said the program runs between 11 to 12 weeks and uses simple, fun activities to educate parents on how to help their babies soak up learning during the most important years for brain development. —Beki San Martin, Freep.com, 5 Dec. 2025

Those 16 and over can soak up the sun by the adult pool, while families tend to congregate around the main pool. —Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 5 Dec. 2025

Rhymes for soak up

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