mooch

Definition of moochnext
1
as in to beg
to live by relying on someone else's generosity or hospitality without sharing in the cost or responsibility he's always mooching off of his friends, even though he can easily pay his own way

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2
as in to sneak
to move about in a sly or secret manner I suspect she's mooching around in the background and keeping an eye on us

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of mooch Suleman also opened up about her financial insecurity in the early 2010s and how the media painted her to be mooching off the government. Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 8 Mar. 2025 Anyway, my friend and I were able to mooch a ride from him to that wonderful institution known as LAX, land of inconvenience, confusion, disdain and dirty bathrooms. Marla Jo Fisher, Orange County Register, 26 Feb. 2025 China’s Silicon Valley–slayer may have mooched off Silicon Valley after all. Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2025 Her family wants to mooch off her success while also criticizing her success. Lydia Patrick, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mooch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mooch
Verb
  • These questions linger as Ion goes about his day, looking for work, begging for change, and scarfing down a meal—moments that flash by in quick, propulsive blips.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026
  • White denim absolutely begs for a smart partner underneath.
    Alex Sales, Glamour, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • In the months after the meeting in Europe, Chalker arranged to sneak Bernadine’s wife and several close family members out of Iran.
    David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • But no need to sneak snacks in with you.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi Even if not a huge art buff, take the five minutes to wander to the Contarelli chapel inside this small catholic church which is just a short stroll from the Pantheon.
    CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • At least one wolf wandered into parts of southern Jefferson County and western Douglas County in the last month, according to the Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife.
    Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Scientists tracking humpbacks off the coast of Australia have captured rare footage that shows clutches of the freeloading fish peeling away from their host in what looks like a high-speed game of chicken, just moments before the whale breaches.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025
  • The specter of freeloading corporations using more space, water, and energy for AI processing has defined the race for the 30th House of Delegates district, well outside DC.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But her lover, the increasingly controlling and unhinged army corporal Don José, is gradually dimished to lurking in the shadows and hiding in crowds.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2026
  • What’s playing on that magical cranial monitor, however, is one half of the shadow self that lurks behind all of Yes‘ provocations.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The employees of Rockin’ Grandma’s roam the grounds of the retreat site, which boasts multiple structures, and are visited by a series of guest speakers whose lectures range from the merely dull to the truly Dada.
    Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026
  • It's estimated 60 million bison once roamed North America, but they were nearly driven to extinction in the 1800s, and by 1889, there were only a few hundred wild bison remained.
    Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The Lions added to that success stealing both of its attempts in the win over Allegiance.
    Mike Waters, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Podziemski then stole the ensuing inbounds pass to secure the win.
    ABC News, ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Those strolling around downtown Dallas this weekend might have noticed more tails, claws and snouts than usual.
    Jessica Ma, Dallas Morning News, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Every year, Hakone illuminates its cherry blossoms and stays open late on several nights for visitors to stroll the grounds.
    Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mooch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mooch. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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