as in parasite
a person who is supported by or seeks support from another without making an adequate return
a sponger who moved in with friends and seems to be in no hurry to get a job and pay a share of the rent
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sponger
Noun
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These parasites reveal what sanitation, disease burden, and population health were really like in this region of the Roman Empire, known for its ingenuity and innovation, but sometimes, public health might not be up to par.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
19 Apr. 2026 -
They’re neutered, up to date on vaccines and microchipped, and they have been treated for parasites and fleas.—
Maryanne Dell,
Oc Register,
18 Apr. 2026
Noun
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And for dessert, a grand opera cake, which the program describes as having espresso cream, almond sponge and buttercream chocolate ganache.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2026
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Four straw brushes, a sponge brush and a nylon brush designed for especially tricky beer and wine bottles differentiate this kit from competing sets.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Sponger.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sponger. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
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