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
The Hornets are best served using their lottery pick on a player, most likely a wing, who can score efficiently without needing to soak up touches.
—
Law Murray, New York Times, 22 June 2025
His plastic parts soaked up water and his rubber teeth folded back like putty.
—Logan Holland, People.com, 20 June 2025
The pneumatic hoses kept taking on seawater; the skin was made of neoprene foam, which soaked up water and became bloated; and one of the models kept getting tangled up in seaweed.
—ArsTechnica, 20 June 2025
Bacteria also need water to grow, but wood soaks up moisture readily, which prevents bacteria from spreading.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for soak up
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Law Murray, New York Times, 22 June 2025
His plastic parts soaked up water and his rubber teeth folded back like putty.
—Logan Holland, People.com, 20 June 2025
The pneumatic hoses kept taking on seawater; the skin was made of neoprene foam, which soaked up water and became bloated; and one of the models kept getting tangled up in seaweed.
—ArsTechnica, 20 June 2025
Bacteria also need water to grow, but wood soaks up moisture readily, which prevents bacteria from spreading.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 19 June 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 1 Jul. 2025.
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