Synonyms of sponge

sponge 1 of 2

noun

ˈspənj 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• parasite
• sponger
• leech
• dependent
• henchman
• freeloader
• hanger-on
• free rider
• moocher
• bloodsucker
• miser
• flunkey
• idler
• satellite
• sycophant
• deadbeat
• lackey
• toady
• flunkie
• cheapskate
• skinflint
• piker
• stooge
• tightwad
• flunky
• yes-man
• scrooge

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• supporter
• benefactor
• philanthropist

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• absorb
• drink
• swallow
• take up
• imbibe
• soak (up)
• suck (up)
• sip
• gulp
• slurp
• swill
• swig
• quaff
• guzzle

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

• beg
• freeload
• leech
• mooch
• use
• exploit

Synonym Chooser

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

Recent Examples of sponge

Noun

In health care, an MOF can act like a selective sponge for specific breath molecules that indicate real, measurable diseases. —Bohong Zhang, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025

To clean your makeup brushes, puffs and sponges: Wet the bristles of your brush, being careful not to get too much water on the handle. —Cody Godwin, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025

Verb

Also in the top with Tom is Toby, who makes a white-chocolate (gross) shell made to look like an orange with a chocolate-and-orange mousse with an Earl Grey sponge inside. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2025

Make sure to scrub the sink faucet, handles, and any other metal fixtures with a soft brush or sponge to remove any buildup or stains. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2025

Phrases Containing sponge

• throw in the sponge