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

Based in Manhattan, Tonight was a transition from popular variety programs like The Ed Sullivan Show to something hipper — a way for viewers around the country to soak up a bit of show-business glamour at the end of the day. —Eric Deggans, NPR, 13 Oct. 2025

Then sprinkle corn starch, baby powder, or baking soda onto the stain to soak up more grease. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2025

Carrying Bassitt, too, as a long man out of the bullpen to either follow Scherzer or soak up innings elsewhere should let the relievers live in more leverage situations. —Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025

My favorite place to enjoy them is Louis Cafe, where they’re tossed with parsley, onion, and red peppers—ideal for nibbling while people-watching and soaking up the live jazz that gives this new-school kafeneio, or café, its charm. —Katherine Whittaker, Saveur, 9 Oct. 2025

Rhymes for soak up

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