ABSORBENT Synonyms: 5 Similar and Opposite Words

absorbent

adjective

əb-ˈsȯr-bənt

variants also absorbant

Definition of absorbent

as in thirsty

able to soak up liquids especially readily highly absorbent material that is really good for wiping off automobiles

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

nonabsorbent

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 absorbent Separately, the Pentagon is investigating how sensitive F-35 components — including a cockpit canopy with radar-absorbent coating — were diverted from an Australian repair hub to Hong Kong, where Chinese authorities are reportedly now holding them. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026 The absorbent cork protects your surfaces and satisfyingly slides down the table when someone needs a reminder. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 26 Aug. 2026 The plush chenille gives your feet a soft spot to land after stepping out of the shower, while the absorbent fibers help keep water off your floor — the rubber backing helps prevent the mat from shifting around, too. — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026 In addition to being absorbent and quick to dry, this towel is compact and fits in most bags. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for absorbent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for absorbent

Adjective

Water Sources Deer drink water year-round, but bucks get especially thirsty during the rut.

— Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 31 Oct. 2026
In a world ruled by scroll, click and pay, the design industry has been exploring new ways to engage and capture the fleeting attention of younger generations thirsty for a new point of view.

— Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of thirsty

Adjective

Cranberry & Jalapeño Chicken Meatballs TJ’s has a whole flavor spectrum of these spongy, scrotal meatballs.

— Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Oct. 2026
Each step sends a ripple through the spongy, thin mat, a slow undulating motion beneath your feet that surprises the senses, disorienting yet simultaneously strangely delightful.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of spongy

Browse Nearby Words

absorbed

absorbent

absorbing

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Absorbent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absorbent. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of absorbent

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

wabi-sabi

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Old-Timey Vehicles

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes