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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sponges
Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2026
Heavy-duty abrasive sponges can leave visible scratches and dull finishes on appliances.
—Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 11 Apr. 2026
Many imitation almond extracts or essences rely on synthetic benzaldehyde for flavor, which can create saccharine notes that overpower delicate desserts like custards, sponges, or pastry creams.
—Emily Saladino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Apr. 2026
Throw out those old sponges and try out a new scent (like a fresh lemon or floral) to make your home smell brand new.
—Alora Bopray, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
The project comes amid growing interest in using sea sponges' strength and durability as inspiration in construction.
—Adam Williams
april 03, New Atlas, 3 Apr. 2026
Brushes harbor much less bacteria than sponges.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
The new-to-science species catalogued so far include brittlestars, crabs, sea anemones and sponges.
—Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Mar. 2026
Historians believe that sailors may have used these elastic egg capsules as sponges.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
Damp sponges and towels can cause bacteria to grow along with mold and musty odors.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2026
Heavy-duty abrasive sponges can leave visible scratches and dull finishes on appliances.
—Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 11 Apr. 2026
Many imitation almond extracts or essences rely on synthetic benzaldehyde for flavor, which can create saccharine notes that overpower delicate desserts like custards, sponges, or pastry creams.
—Emily Saladino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Apr. 2026
Throw out those old sponges and try out a new scent (like a fresh lemon or floral) to make your home smell brand new.
—Alora Bopray, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
The project comes amid growing interest in using sea sponges' strength and durability as inspiration in construction.
—Adam Williams
april 03, New Atlas, 3 Apr. 2026
Brushes harbor much less bacteria than sponges.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
The new-to-science species catalogued so far include brittlestars, crabs, sea anemones and sponges.
—Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Mar. 2026
Historians believe that sailors may have used these elastic egg capsules as sponges.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sponges
Noun
-
These conditions can facilitate the spread of viruses, bacteria and parasites.—
Meg Tanaka,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Unclean bottles can grow bacteria, fungi, and parasites that may cause gastrointestinal symptoms.—
Laura Schober,
Health,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In a fit of rage over the expositions made in Lexi's play, Nate drives to a warehouse where Cal drinks with a few of his orgy partners.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Lady Funari’s food, drinks Among the menu items grew straight from Funari’s kitchen are the Spaghetti & Blue Crab, a two-course experience inspired by a longstanding family tradition.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Back at the main building, Restaurant Kinsley draws both guests and locals with a seasonal New American menu featuring oysters, rigatoni, and a flourless brownie that begs for repeat orders.—
Jordi Lippe-McGraw,
Robb Report,
9 Apr. 2026
-
This begs the question as to how Woodland, who qualified for The Masters by winning in Houston, will be able to manage his PTSD this week during one of golf’s elite events.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The jungle, in the Truong Son range between Laos and the South China Sea, is home to tigers and leeches.—
Nicole Young,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Dysmenorrhea might be treated by placing leeches on the abdomen to increase blood loss.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The microfiber absorbs five times its weight in water and dries in a snap.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Apr. 2026
-
This buffer absorbs rate changes and unexpected costs without disrupting the rest of your budget.—
Fazila Shahid Lodhi,
Idaho Statesman,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sponges.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sponges. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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