sponger

Definition of spongernext
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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sponger
Noun
  • Further, co-author Thomas Wierzba, a professor of infectious diseases at Wake Forest School of Medicine, explains that ETVAX reduced moderate-to-severe diarrhea from viruses, bacteria or other parasites by 21 percent.
    Sahas Mehra, Scientific American, 10 Mar. 2026
  • The parasite’s usual life cycle involves infected rodents passing the larvae through their feces, which is then eaten by gastropods, such as snails and slugs, according to the study.
    Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Let the solution sit for 30 minutes, then gently scrub off the mold with a cloth, sponge, or old toothbrush.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Scientists discovered coral gardens, sponge-dense habitats, and five new squat lobster species alongside the two new worm species found in the glass sponge.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
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.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sponger.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sponger. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.

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!

More from Merriam-Webster