sponges 1 of 2

noun

plural of sponge
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sponges

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of sponge
1
as in drinks
to take in (something liquid) through small openings the ground quickly sponged up the much-needed rain

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in begs
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

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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 sponges
Noun
This $8 find keeps utensils in their place (literally), and this sink organizer has a spot for brushes, sponges, dish soap, and even drains water back into the sink for zero mess. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 June 2026 Hang towels, bath mats, and washcloths, loofahs, or sponges to air-dry thoroughly after each use since damp towels can encourage mold growth. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 June 2026 Allow to sit 10-15 minutes Wipe and scrape the paste gently away with microfiber cloths, soft sponges, and a plastic or silicone scraper. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 17 June 2026 Not all makeup sponges are created equal. — Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026 The sculptures are made with a pH-neutral artificial reef compound that allows coral, sponges, and biomass to settle safely on them. — Megan Margulies, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2026 Don't leave dirty dishes or damp dishcloths and sponges in the kitchen sink. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 9 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sponges
  1. parasites
  2. drinks
  3. begs
  4. leeches
  5. absorbs
Noun
  • Georgia is now among many states contending with a surge of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal disease caused by microscopic parasites called cyclospora that can contaminate food and water, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health.
    — Alex Nettles, AJC.com, 11 July 2026
  • Tolbert warns that food storage containers with lids should be cleaned regularly to prevent contamination from dust mites and other parasites, especially before refilling.
    — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026
Definition of parasites
Verb
  • At a charge, guests may also book a cute Patina Osaka wagon, packed with chairs, cuddly blankets, bites, and drinks for a bucolic picnic in the park.
    — Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
  • The fare includes accommodations, many meals on board, drinks like regular coffee and lemonade, entertainment and more.
    — Nathan Diller, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Definition of drinks
Verb
  • Rhaena goes to the Vale and begs Lady Jeyne Arryn for sanctuary, but the noblewoman wants nothing to do with her.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • So this begs an important question about how WD 1856 b even got there in the first place.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 1 July 2026
Definition of begs
Noun
  • The lightning-fast process leeches out flavor and compromises textures, and can produce bland, mushy results.
    — Emily Saladino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 June 2026
  • The fact is that leeches are relished by everything from walleyes and bass to trout and all the panfish.
    — Byron W. Dalrymple, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2026
Definition of leeches
Verb
  • The Cohesion 18 sneakers are outfitted with a thick, supportive sole that absorbs impact and offers stability, a rubber outsole for traction, and a sockliner to prevent friction burn and blisters.
    — Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 8 July 2026
  • This modeling effect matters more as AI absorbs the routine layer of work.
    — Faustino Júnior, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of absorbs

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Cite this Entry

“Sponges.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sponges. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sponges

Nglish: Translation of sponges for Spanish Speakers

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