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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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
Get The Recipe 18 of 25 Orange Chiffon Cake Light, fluffy, and full of air, this citrus cake climbs high in a tube pan, resulting in a thick, tall sponge. Mary Alice Russell, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2025 Non-scratch scrub sponge: on sale for $8.99 Original price: $12.99 Add this pack of 24 non-scratch sponges to your cleaning supplies. Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 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
  • In exchange, the fish will help the mussel get rid of parasites.
    Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The parasite, named Sirenobethylus charybdis after the seawater-swallowing monster from Greek mythology, may represent a whole new family of insects.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Many smaller businesses are unable to absorb such shocks.
    Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The companies with the lowest performance weren’t able to forecast shortages, did not have the technology available to monitor their supply chain operations, and made poor pricing decisions—sometimes absorbing too much of the higher costs and lowering profit margins and investor confidence.
    Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • That’s a lot of unspent money and begs the question: Is more tax needed from an industry that’s shrinking, not growing?
    Andrew DeAngelo, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • When others on board pointed to Murphy’s father, her mother knelt on the deck, cradling Murphy in her arms, and begged them not to harm her husband.
    Michael Cuglietta, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Dunedin One of our South's Best Beach Towns in 2022, this tiny town located across the bay from Tampa surprises with plenty to see and do--plus eat and drink!
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 3 May 2025
  • The red-eyed alien in question is zapped back to its hive, and the Doctor gives Ruby an antidote to drink so that she can’t be tracked.
    Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 3 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sponge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sponge. Accessed 8 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sponge

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!