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

Zucchini ribbons are the perfect silky texture to soak up the classic Mediterranean dressing made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and herby za'atar seasoning. —Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 2026

The camera lingers on the characters’ faces, trying to soak up their emotions and reactions. —Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 17 June 2026

Evaporative cooling vests The materials used on evaporative cooling vests are designed to soak up water at high speed. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2026

Players sprinted to that corner and soaked up the adulation before taking a ceremonial victory lap around the field. —Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 15 June 2026

Rhymes for soak up

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