sponge 1 of 2

as in parasite
a person who is supported by or seeks support from another without making an adequate return finally told the sponge to move out of their house and to get a job

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sponge

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to absorb
to take in (something liquid) through small openings the ground quickly sponged up the much-needed rain

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2
as in to beg
to live by relying on someone else's generosity or hospitality without sharing in the cost or responsibility she's been sponging off of her friends while she tries to land an entry-level job on Wall Street

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the noun sponge differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of sponge are leech, parasite, sycophant, and toady. While all these words mean "a usually obsequious flatterer or self-seeker," sponge stresses the parasitic laziness, dependence, and opportunism of the cadger.

a shiftless sponge, always looking for a handout

When might leech be a better fit than sponge?

The words leech and sponge are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, leech stresses persistence in clinging to or bleeding another for one's own advantage.

a leech living off his family and friends

When can parasite be used instead of sponge?

The meanings of parasite and sponge largely overlap; however, parasite applies to one who clings to a person of wealth, power, or influence or is useless to society.

a jet-setter with an entourage of parasites

When would sycophant be a good substitute for sponge?

The synonyms sycophant and sponge are sometimes interchangeable, but sycophant adds to this a strong suggestion of fawning, flattery, or adulation.

a powerful prince surrounded by sycophants

In what contexts can toady take the place of sponge?

In some situations, the words toady and sponge are roughly equivalent. However, toady emphasizes the servility and snobbery of the self-seeker.

cultivated leaders of society and became their toady

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 sponge
Noun
And then, the clean station has its own six-stage filtration system (main cycle, mess filter, single cyclone, coarse sponge, fine sponge, and HEPA 13 filter). Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 3 Sep. 2025 When the dry season comes, that sponge is slowly squeezed. John Meyer, Denver Post, 25 Aug. 2025
Verb
These disposable melamine sponges work well for cleaning a variety of items, but they shouldn't be used on everything. Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 2025 Cotton sponges up water and refuses to let go, turning a light rain shower into a grueling, soggy, all-day affair. Alice Bennett, Travel + Leisure, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sponge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sponge
Noun
  • There, all animals undergo full medical evaluations, including testing for diseases, worms, and parasites.
    Meg Dunn, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The medication used to treat some parasites has also been used to treat COVID-19.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The rugged Renegade Evo leather boots sport a soft, shock-absorbing midsole layered over grippy Vibram rubber for a comfortable, slip-free experience on the trail.
    Alice Bennett, Travel + Leisure, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The glossy marketing doesn't include a footnote about trust funds, family support or the ability to absorb year-over-year losses that would devastate most working families.
    Elle Wang, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Each room and common area feels like a treasure box; there’s hardly an inch of space that doesn’t beg you to stop, snap a photo, and admire the artistic composition.
    Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The Academy is forcing me to beg political people to screen and select my film.
    Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Anyone who’s drinking hot pumpkin spice lattes in a chunky sweater may need to rein it in for a little while.
    Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Delicious now, this will drink well for the next 4-6 years.
    Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sponge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sponge. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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