absorbs

present tense third-person singular of absorb
1
as in drinks
to take in (something liquid) through small openings most of the spilled water was absorbed by the tablecloth

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
3
as in integrates
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

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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 absorbs This design effectively absorbs violent shockwaves that would otherwise shatter conventional armor. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026 Nitrogen is also a core component of chlorophyll, which absorbs energy from light in photosynthetic organisms, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy-carrying molecule found in the cells of plants and animals. Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Sep. 2026 The sunscreen itself is completely transparent, absorbs quickly, and sits comfortably under makeup without pilling. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 8 Sep. 2026 The result is an unusually fluid lotion that absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy film. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Sep. 2026 Removing Stains From Bathroom Floors Grout is porous and absorbs all the moisture, dirt, and soap scum it’s exposed to, and that can leave it looking dark and dingy. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2026 When robot arms undergo rapid directional shifts and accelerations up to 10 g, this internal steel cable absorbs the primary tensile loads. IEEE Spectrum, 3 Sep. 2026 The bi-phase formula activates with a quick shake and absorbs effortlessly into skin. Sheryl George, Glamour, 2 Sep. 2026 These New Balance sneakers are built to support you through several hours of wear, with a midsole that absorbs impact and a foam insert for extra cushioning. Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 30 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for absorbs
Verb
  • The cardamom banana pudding was inspired by the cardamom tea his dad drinks before bed.
    Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Lin also drinks a glass of water with psyllium to get extra fiber.
    Cathy Cassata, HEALTH, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Civilian specialists The 583rd Missile Maintenance Squadron occupies an unusual position within the Air Force’s nuclear mission.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The hotel occupies a pristine stretch of sand with the kind of attentive Four Seasons service that extends all the way to your beach chair—food and drinks included—plus paddleboards, boogie boards, and two oceanfront pools.
    Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Osteopathic medical education intentionally integrates biomedical, clinical, health systems and biomechanical sciences, and concepts aligned with complexity science into a coherent framework for physician formation.
    Torie Bosch, STAT, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Rather than adding oversight after a system has been built, the Governed by Design philosophy integrates governance directly into the architecture from the first day of development.
    Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • At risk of power shortages A single large AI data center now consumes as much electricity as a city of 80,000 people, Khosla Ventures founder Vinod Khosla wrote in Fortune this year, and companies are building hundreds of them at once.
    Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026
  • That figure assumes the vehicle consumes 100 watt-hours per mile and its solar panels deliver at least four kWh of usable energy to the battery during the day.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • But a coalition that tolerates antisemitism doesn’t deserve to get it.
    Doug Schneider, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • This plant thrives in hot, dry conditions and tolerates humidity well.
    Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 5 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Social Security swallows nearly a quarter of the federal budget and is less than a decade away from insolvency.
    Andrew G. Biggs, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026
  • If your dog swallows these fibers, it can get caught up in the digestive tract like hair in plumbing and create a blockage.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Situated by the storied Osaka Castle, Patina Osaka is a modern urban sanctuary that pays homage to the Japanese city’s singular beauty and immerses guests in its dynamic culture.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026
  • For how much this book immerses you in the natural world, there is regular talk of machinery and robots in the story.
    Zachary Fletcher, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The portfolio also incorporates repurposed leather, biodegradable liquid latex and experimental materials made from orange peels and coffee grounds.
    Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Fever Custom The build incorporates a unique neutral-selector mechanism and integrates the front sprocket cover directly into a complex shift linkage assembly.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Absorbs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absorbs. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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