Synonyms of absorb

absorb

verb

əb-ˈsȯrb 

1

as in to drink

to take in (something liquid) through small openings

most of the spilled water was absorbed by the tablecloth

Synonyms & Similar Words

• drink
• swallow
• sip
• imbibe
• soak (up)
• sponge
• take up
• suck (up)
• gulp
• quaff
• slurp
• guzzle
• swig
• swill

2

as in to occupy

to hold the attention of

chatting on the phone doesn't absorb me so much that I can't do something else at the same time

Synonyms & Similar Words

• occupy
• immerse
• interest
• intrigue
• involve
• attract
• fascinate
• engage
• grip
• busy
• engross
• distract
• enwrap
• catch up
• enthrall
• bemuse
• enchant
• preoccupy
• catch one's eye
• captivate
• obsess
• hypnotize
• charm
• mesmerize
• monopolize
• bewitch
• allure
• beguile
• hog

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• bore
• weary
• pall
• tire
• jade

3

as in to integrate

to make a part of a body or system

local schools will seek to absorb the new immigrants into the regular curriculum as quickly as possible

Synonyms & Similar Words

• integrate
• incorporate
• assimilate
• embody
• co-opt
• merge
• amalgamate
• combine
• commingle
• blend
• intermingle
• mingle
• habituate
• accustom
• acculturate
• condition
• enculturate
• fuse
• naturalize

4

as in to consume

to make complete use of

cleaning the house absorbed the rest of his energy

Synonyms & Similar Words

• consume
• spend
• drain
• exhaust
• reduce
• burn
• use
• deplete
• eat
• expend
• devour
• play out
• draw down
• use up
• decrease
• run out of
• diminish
• waste
• empty
• weaken
• lessen
• downsize
• undermine
• clean (out)
• dwindle
• dissipate
• impoverish
• abate
• blow
• debilitate
• bankrupt
• cripple
• dry up
• sap
• disable
• enfeeble
• lower
• squander
• guzzle
• de-escalate
• throw away
• lavish
• run through
• misspend
• fritter (away)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• replace
• increase
• renew
• augment
• enforce
• reinforce
• enlarge
• strengthen
• preserve
• restore
• save
• revive
• rebuild
• repair
• conserve
• bolster
• fortify

5

as in to tolerate

to put up with (something painful or difficult)

somehow she managed to absorb whatever hardships life offered

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tolerate
• endure
• accept
• handle
• stand
• take
• sustain
• bear
• swallow
• stomach
• meet
• abide
• wear
• support
• stand for
• countenance
• stick out
• live with
• lump (it)
• suffer
• allow
• go
• bide
• brook
• hack
• sweat out
• tough it out
• permit
• pocket
• acquiesce
• reconcile (to)
• yield (to)
• submit (to)
• agree (with or to)
• capitulate
• respect
• consent (to)
• assent (to)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• refuse
• reject
• dismiss
• resist
• avoid
• decline
• repudiate
• oppose
• fight
• escape
• combat
• evade
• spurn
• miss
• turn down
• contest
• circumvent
• bypass
• refrain (from)
• elude
• dodge
• forbear
• abstain (from)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of absorb

On the monetary side, a clearer separation between fiscal policy and the central bank would be another important signal, Tay said, especially if the government stops leaning on Bank Indonesia to support growth or absorb more of the financing burden. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026

This demanding role may compel them to adjust their employment and absorb expenses that can steadily strain household finances. — Cristina Johnson, Hartford Courant, 16 Sep. 2026

If a single slide is carrying the problem, the solution and the result all at once, the room absorbs none of the three. — Lynn Smith, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Around 200 schools have been converted to shelters in southwestern Yemen to absorb an influx of families, according to the International Rescue Committee, an aid group. — Arkansas Online, 15 Sep. 2026