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

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sponger
Noun
  • The disease is caused by a parasite that contaminates fresh produce and can cause days of watery, sometimes explosive diarrhea.
    Kendall Staton, Washington Post, 17 July 2026
  • Bags on nerds Gummy Clusters, croutons and cheese (hold the lettuce), gas station food, ice cream for breakfast, and an Arby’s angus cheesesteak stuffed with macaroni and cheese could all serve as protective fare against the parasite.
    Nikki McCann Ramirez, Rolling Stone, 16 July 2026
Noun
  • Extreme rainfall events like this are becoming more common as planet-warming pollution drives temperatures higher, because warmer air holds more moisture – which storms can then wring out like a water-laden sponge in heavy, localized downpours.
    Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • Clean the interior of the metal bottle daily with an Owala brush or a soft sponge brush, using warm soapy water.
    Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 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.

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Cite this Entry

“Sponger.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sponger. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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