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). Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 18 Apr. 2025 Local dive shops run trips to the wreck, where sea turtles mingle with coral, sponges and cascades of colorful fish. Marnie Hunter, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the baking soda and water solution and gently apply it lightly to the ceiling. Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Mar. 2025 Advertisement When Rick and Chelsea first got off the boat in Episode 1, viewers may have assumed this was a typical May-December romance, with Chelsea sponging off Rick's riches and Rick flaunting a young girlfriend. Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 9 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sponge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sponge
Noun
  • But things get gory for the many cicadas that are unlucky enough to be infected by the deadly fungal parasite Massospora cicadina.
    Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 May 2025
  • But sometimes, like a tick on a dog, one animal takes advantage of another — a parasite.
    Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 6 May 2025
Verb
  • The experience felt a little like getting unexpectedly absorbed in a trashy episode of reality TV, but also like suddenly realizing that a conversation that started in the shallows of small talk has at some point drifted into the deep waters of meaning.
    Peter C. Baker, New Yorker, 11 May 2025
  • The government would absorb or benefit from any difference.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • While Kardashian was begging for her life, the men rummaged through her belongings and stole roughly millions of dollars worth of jewelry from her.
    Caroline Blair, People.com, 13 May 2025
  • This rule of course begs two questions: where to build and how to pay for it?
    Lucius Riccio, New York Daily News, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • Crumble Smith recommends using half your body weight as a starting point to figure out how many ounces per day to drink.
    Alyssa Hui-Anderson, Verywell Health, 16 May 2025
  • The 2018 vintage is exceptional and is drinking perfectly right now.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 15 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sponge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sponge. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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