mooch

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Her family wants to mooch off her success while also criticizing her success. Lydia Patrick, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025 The exchange seemed to show real feelings and judgments — that the Europeans are mooching and that any American military action, no matter how clearly in American interests as well, should be somehow paid for by other beneficiaries. Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2025 Not for Chelsea, obviously, whom he’s already once told to go find a richer boyfriend to mooch off. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 2 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 See All Example Sentences for mooch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mooch
Verb
  • While Kardashian was begging for her life, the men rummaged through her belongings and stole roughly millions of dollars worth of jewelry from her.
    Caroline Blair, People.com, 13 May 2025
  • This begs the question: Why is the city of San Diego proposing a monthly fee of $47.59?
    U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • On Tuesday, Leo sneaked into the headquarters of his Augustinian order right off St. Peter’s Square.
    Mitra Taj, New York Times, 17 May 2025
  • For her first single after that triumph to only just sneak onto the Country Airplay ranking — and in last place — indicates a substantial and sustained promotional push behind the scenes.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Without the puck, Nurse and Bouchard have the same weakness (read and react, wandering).
    Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 3 May 2025
  • Instead, Shuai wanders about pouring other people’s drinks.
    Caroline Framke, Vulture, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • Minutes before Carney’s arrival, Trump set a contentious tone by accusing Canada of freeloading on trade and the nations’ geopolitical alliance.
    Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 6 May 2025
  • Dreux has entrusted Alyssa with delivering Uche’s money before the first of the month—but instead, Alyssa has asked her layabout, freeloading boyfriend Keshawn (Joshua David Neal) to put the money in Uche’s hands.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Mars will appear in the constellation Cancer in the western sky, while Jupiter will lurk close to the horizon, setting just a few hours after the sun.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 13 May 2025
  • Probably not as many as are lurking on your medicine cabinet shelves.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • Phillip left that night with a wad of cash, and, still under the influence, began roaming the city.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 12 May 2025
  • Animals roam freely without the need for paved paths.
    Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • Mike gets into a brawl when Nathan (Dickinson, uncredited), a fellow addict also living rough, steals his wallet and blows all his cash.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025
  • Trailing in the second inning, Alexis Ramirez reached base on a hit up the middle, then stole second.
    Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Challenging the narrative Defense attorney Stuart Adelstein strolled over to the lectern, his eyes piercing the jurors just feet away from him.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 12 May 2025
  • The Courant reported, in a story written in 1991, when the Pedlar approached its 100th anniversary, that the inn had seen many famous people stroll into its Victorian-style lobby and its dining room.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 10 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mooch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mooch. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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