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
Then coat your sink in dish soap and lightly scrub with a sponge to remove all food particles, stuck-on-gunk, and more. Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 14 June 2025 For spills, simply use a damp sponge to spot clean. Jacqueline Tempera, People.com, 12 June 2025
Verb
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 Apply with fingertips, a brush, or sponge onto cheeks and lips. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sponge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sponge
Noun
  • The knowledge that my life only matters as a body for labor feeds on my heart like a parasite.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 June 2025
  • The analysis also unveiled other species of bacteria and a parasite which had all previously been unknown to science.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • Different molecules absorb light in different ways, and by analysing these absorption patterns – called spectra – scientists infer what chemicals are likely to be present.
    Oliver Swainston, Space.com, 28 June 2025
  • Economists at JPMorgan have argued that many companies are absorbing the cost of the tariffs, for now.
    Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Frazier then tried to subtly get the answer to the question fans have been begging to know — is Rihanna having a baby girl?
    Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 30 June 2025
  • Within a month, my friends were begging me for more.
    Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • Sure, standing around drinking beer and grilling is fun.
    Parker Hall, Wired News, 21 June 2025
  • Police allege the suspect got a haircut at 11:30 a.m. on the day of his son’s death, then drank beer and took shots from noon until 2:40 p.m. while the infant baked outside in the parking lot.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sponge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sponge. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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