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

Skip the paintbrush and add texture to paintings by swapping in sponges, scrubbers, a comb, leaves, flowers, bath poufs, toy cars, LEGO bricks, blocks, cookie cutters, marbles (let kids roll them around with paper in a box), and, of course, fingers. — Michelle Crouch, Parents, 14 Aug. 2026

This $9 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, 6 Aug. 2026

Battered metal is as crucial to his kit as conventional drum sounds, and even his tonal elements feel as malleable as wrung-out sponges or wet lumps of clay. — Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026

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

Sea sponges also provide a habitat for worms, crustaceans, and juvenile fish. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 30 July 2026

Spicules are tiny needle-like structures derived from silica-rich marine sponges, corals or plants, or made synthetically, that create microscopic channels in the skin to help deliver active ingredients more deeply. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 27 July 2026

Spicules are microscopic, needle-like structures — sourced from marine sponges, silica-rich corals, certain plants or synthesized in a lab — suspended in serums and creams. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 27 July 2026

In addition to bacterial growth, strong-smelling food residue can transfer odors to porous kitchen materials such as wood, fabrics, and sponges. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 27 July 2026