Synonyms of sponges

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• parasites
• leeches
• spongers
• dependents
• henchmen
• freeloaders
• hangers-on
• free riders
• moochers
• bloodsuckers
• misers
• idlers
• satellites
• deadbeats
• toadies
• sycophants
• lackeys
• stooges
• yes-men
• skinflints
• tightwads
• pikers
• cheapskates
• flunkies
• scrooges

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• supporters
• benefactors
• philanthropists

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

• drinks
• absorbs
• swallows
• soaks (up)
• imbibes
• sips
• sucks (up)
• takes up
• gulps
• slurps
• quaffs
• swills
• swigs
• guzzles

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• begs
• leeches
• freeloads
• mooches
• uses
• exploits

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of sponges

Noun

For more than a century, scientists thought that sponges, or porifera, were the first to branch off — the sister group to all other animals. — Marlowe Starling, Quanta Magazine, 16 Sep. 2026

These non-scratch sponges are safe to use on most surfaces and are easy to rinse clean. — Brooke Knappenberger, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2026

The geographic features are hot spots of biodiversity, with corals, sponges and even an octopus garden, just like in the Beatles song. — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026

Then, install a set of roll-out drawers for easy access to sponges, sprays, and scrubbers. — Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2026

Abrasive sponges and cleaners can leave tiny marks behind that will dull and damage the surface over time. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2026

Use cereal boxes, fruit, sponges, or paper towels as store items. — Anna Attkisson Published, Parents, 21 Aug. 2026

Wash microfiber towels in hot water after each use and replace sponges frequently. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 20 Aug. 2026

The corals and sponges had been dusted with the silty mud from the dredge. — Jenny Staletovich, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026