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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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

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
Tip: Another easy, nontoxic DIY ice pack option for kids' lunches is to freeze wet sponges in a reusable zip-top bag. Maryal Miller Carter, USA Today, 12 July 2025 For some subtle sculpting, consider warming the product up on the back of your hand before going in with a makeup brush or beauty sponge. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 12 July 2025
Verb
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 The mining computers would sponge up energy when there was extra and shut off when demand from other customers was high, helping keep the grid stable. Erika Page, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sponge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sponge
Noun
  • Colton was also prescribed a parasite treatment due to diarrhea, the warrant affidavit said.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 16 July 2025
  • The United States is dropping about 100 million sterile flies each week in southern Mexico to help slow the spread of the parasite.
    Clara Migoya, AZCentral.com, 16 July 2025
Verb
  • Bonding panels together rather than welding them makes controlling the NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) levels much easier as the adhesives absorb vibrations, while the stiffness provides much more control in terms of lateral movement.
    Alex Kalogiannis, ArsTechnica, 22 July 2025
  • Some of that tariff cost will be passed on to consumers, and some will be absorbed by U.S. tomato importers, Badillo said.
    Daniel Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • When all 16 of her campers and her co-counselors were safely accounted for at the pavilion, Ainslie heard campers from another cabin — one that housed some of the camp’s youngest children — begging for help.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 12 July 2025
  • Read on for our roundup of gallery wall ideas in living rooms, bedrooms, and entryways to turn an empty wall begging for a makeover into a memorable design statement.
    Maria Sabella, Architectural Digest, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • The sole reason to go is to eat hot rolls and chicken and drink good lemonade.
    Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2025
  • Speaking, eating, and drinking on public transportation is discouraged in Japan, and the train car is as quiet as a study hall.
    Rebecca Chace July 14, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sponge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sponge. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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