1
as in begging
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
Relevance
2
as in sneaking
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
as in wandering
to move about from place to place aimlessly
kids on vacation mooching about the house and looking for something to do
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of mooching
On top of that, Nico is also, quite obviously, just mooching off/clinging to Mindy because he got cut off by his family.
—
Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025
Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mooching
Verb
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With poor air quality adding to an environment begging for a change, the project will demolish, redirect and streamline traffic connections between Jack London Square, Chinatown and West Alameda over the next three years.—
Chase Hunter,
Mercury News,
14 Mar. 2026
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The main street that intercepts the end of my block is tree-lined and buzzing, with generous sidewalks, gleaming (and respected) crosswalks, and wide windowscapes just begging to be strolled and observed.—
Claire Salinda,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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These businesses offer a way to entertain kids while sneaking in a little education.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
13 Mar. 2026
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But beyond sneaking small bombs past Israel’s air defenses, Iran’s use of cluster munitions may also be intended to try to reduce Israel’s stock of missile interceptors, potentially forcing it to fire dozens of them to eliminate the threat of a single missile.—
Jeremy Diamond,
CNN Money,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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For a club that spent its early MLS years wandering through mediocrity, Pareja became the steady hand that finally made Orlando City a consistent contender.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 Mar. 2026
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But instead, the young bride was wandering the streets of London in the June heat, frustrated and distraught.—
Moira Donegan,
New Yorker,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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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
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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
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Yet the 7th Circuit took the extraordinary step of swooping in anyway, treating constraints on DHS — which has only become more violent in the months since Ellis’ order — as a lurking constitutional problem that had to be scrubbed from the books lest plaintiffs seek similar relief in the future.—
Seth Stern,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Mar. 2026
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Without optimism, some evolutionary biologists argue, this incredible ability would have largely gone to waste, hijacked by a persistent belief that the future was less important than whatever was lurking behind the bushes, ready to pounce, right now.—
Dr. Deepika Chopra,
Flow Space,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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As the vast landscape spread out below, filled with roaming herds and golden hues, our guest popped the question—creating a moment both magical and unforgettable.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Mar. 2026
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By the time glacial ice from the era receded and temperatures warmed enough for the ectotherms, Ireland had broken off from the European continent and was inaccessible to roaming reptiles.—
K. R. Callaway,
Scientific American,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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He would ultimately be arrested and convicted of seven counts of fraud and conspiracy, stealing as much as $10 billion from customers.—
Clara Molot,
Vanity Fair,
17 Mar. 2026
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Mug shots over an 8-year period for stealing cars, forging checks and running scams didn't stop Robinson from building trust and respect after creating a new identity as Mike King, a business owner and high-profile bodyguard to Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett.—
J.D. Miles,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Guests will have two charters aboard the hotel’s 35-foot boat, L’Amo, a vintage vessel with enough room for sunbathing and two onboard Volvo engines that allow for smooth, coast-hugging cruising.—
Mark Ellwood,
Robb Report,
14 Mar. 2026
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Ajogbor had 10 points in the second half and Saint Joseph's used a 12-2 spurt to take a 61-42 lead before cruising to the finish.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mooching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mooching. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
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