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
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 See All Example Sentences for sponge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sponge
Noun
  • These methods sort through the DNA in a sample looking for specific genes that are signatures of parasites like pinworms, as well as bacterial pathogens.
    Veronique Greenwood, Time, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Extreme temperatures, parasites, viruses, fungi, and bacteria are also major dangers.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In my case, I’ve been absorbed into a life.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Satiety and Blood Sugar Drinking beverages high in carbs, and low in protein and fiber, like apple cider and apple juice, will lead to a spike in blood sugar as the sugars found in these drinks are easily and quickly absorbed into the bloodstream.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In between bickering with Rodgers and pining for a young would-be protégé named Elizabeth, played by Margaret Qualley, Hart gossips to the bartender—Eddie, portrayed by Bobby Cannavale—and begs him for just one more pour.
    Kyle McGovern, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Parents beg to have their kids placed in her class, and people are drawn to her magnetic personality.
    Nashville Tennessean, Nashville Tennessean, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • To manage your thirst, try limiting your salt intake, drinking enough water throughout the day, and regulating your bedroom temperature.
    Lauren O'Connor, Health, 23 Oct. 2025
  • With its ever-expanding food and drink scene, Oaxaca de Juárez has rightfully earned its place as one of the world's premiere culinary destinations—so much so that it was named the best city in the world in Travel + Leisure's 2023 World's Best Awards and one of the top 5 cities in Mexico in 2025.
    Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 23 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sponge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sponge. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

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