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
Engineers have figured out several methods over the years to scour out stubborn oil from nooks and crannies in the reservoir rock (think of a sponge but with much tighter pore spaces). Christopher Helman, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 The shorter half is divided into two: a perfectly-sized sponge holder on the left and a dish soap section on the right. Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 11 May 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
  • The unfortunate truth is that blueberries can carry all sorts of unwanted guests, from dirt and debris, tiny bugs like aphids or fruit flies, pesticide residue, bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, or Listeria, mold spores, and even parasites.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 18 May 2025
  • That setting could help preserve it by protecting it from natural degradation caused by parasites and other organisms.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • Meanwhile, Owen drinks from it and is seemingly absorbed into the fountain.
    EW.com, EW.com, 23 May 2025
  • The towel absorbs up to eight times its weight in water.
    Maggie Horton, People.com, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Until her death at age 25, Emily would beg to be taken to the carousel at the mall near her home in Columbia, Maryland.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 26 May 2025
  • But coming from the multiracial, multiethnic U.S., his background begged for further description.
    Rebecca R. Bibbs, Chicago Tribune, 25 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 29 May. 2025.

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