as in parasites
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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Recent Examples of sponges
Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 2 Oct. 2025
These rare steroids were linked to ancient sponges, but the findings sparked debate, with some suggesting alternative origins, including non-biological processes.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
One of the main reasons for the vast difference is that toilets are made of non-porous material, whereas sponges are highly porous and inviting for germs.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2025
As for makeup, think about precision tools, micro brow pencils, fine-tip liquid liner, beauty sponges for blending.
—Essence, 18 Sep. 2025
Head to Amazon now to snag Wright’s Copper Cream to make your pieces sparkle, plus shop copper cookware, non-abrasive sponges, and microfiber cloths to add extra shine to your products.
—Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2025
Note that abrasive brushes or sponges will leave small scratches on the surface, but, unlike with a nonstick pan, the scratches won’t damage the pan’s long-term efficacy.
—Emily Johnson, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
This microgel, Cho believes, could be a versatile building block for many eco-friendly materials, including paper, film, and sponges.
—Sandy Ong, JSTOR Daily, 11 Sep. 2025
Nutrients from the Orinoco Delta make the waters particularly enticing to marine life and also help the island’s barrel sponges grow especially huge.
—Terry Ward, AFAR Media, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
Use it to clean makeup brushes and sponges both gently and effectively.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 2 Oct. 2025
These rare steroids were linked to ancient sponges, but the findings sparked debate, with some suggesting alternative origins, including non-biological processes.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
One of the main reasons for the vast difference is that toilets are made of non-porous material, whereas sponges are highly porous and inviting for germs.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2025
As for makeup, think about precision tools, micro brow pencils, fine-tip liquid liner, beauty sponges for blending.
—Essence, 18 Sep. 2025
Head to Amazon now to snag Wright’s Copper Cream to make your pieces sparkle, plus shop copper cookware, non-abrasive sponges, and microfiber cloths to add extra shine to your products.
—Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2025
Note that abrasive brushes or sponges will leave small scratches on the surface, but, unlike with a nonstick pan, the scratches won’t damage the pan’s long-term efficacy.
—Emily Johnson, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
This microgel, Cho believes, could be a versatile building block for many eco-friendly materials, including paper, film, and sponges.
—Sandy Ong, JSTOR Daily, 11 Sep. 2025
Nutrients from the Orinoco Delta make the waters particularly enticing to marine life and also help the island’s barrel sponges grow especially huge.
—Terry Ward, AFAR Media, 11 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sponges
Noun
-
Live ants carry the risk of parasites, while freezing or dehydrating the insects can unintentionally allow harmful bacteria to flourish.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Oct. 2025
-
When mixing the live ants with milk, the researchers strained the milk through a filter that allowed bacteria and yeast to move through, but which removed any parasites.—
Amarachi Orie,
CNN Money,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
At a casual pub in Windsor, Levy orders a Guinness and drinks none of it, while William orders a sweet cider and drinks one quarter of it.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
3 Oct. 2025
-
When a person drinks from that source, the cycle repeats.—
Michal Ruprecht,
NPR,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Okay, so David, that begs two follow up questions for me.—
Fortune Editors,
Fortune,
1 Oct. 2025
-
This ceramic cookie jar shaped like a Christmas tree or gingerbread house instantly transports us back to Grandma’s house around the holidays, with colorful, nostalgic charm that just begs to sit on your countertop.—
Abigail Wilt,
Southern Living,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Once the workplace of Revolutionary War figure General Hugh Mercer, the recreated 18th-century pharmacy and doctor’s office is filled with tinctures, leeches, and surgical tools, all explained by costumed interpreters.—
Madeline Weinfield,
Southern Living,
17 Sep. 2025
-
The small-mouth bass go for the leeches, too.—
Jeremy Rutherford,
New York Times,
23 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Soothing botanicals, such as aloe vera and chamomile, keep the skin comfortable as the mask refines pores and absorbs excess oil.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Easily digestible, meaning your body breaks it down and absorbs it efficiently.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
28 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sponges.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sponges. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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