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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Ryan Brennan
may 11, Miami Herald, 11 May 2026
Another 2026 study from researchers at the University of Bonn found common kitchen sponges released measurable amounts of microplastics annually.
—Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 May 2026
In the wild, marine sponges are delicate, simple living organisms, lacking brains, organs, and nervous systems, despite having risen in pop culture via a certain cartoon character with square pants.
—Erik Trinidad, Travel + Leisure, 8 May 2026
Damp sponges can be sanitized in the microwave for two minutes on high to eliminate bacteria.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026
They are drawn to rotting fruits and vegetables, sugary drinks, vinegar, alcohol, damp and dirty sponges, garbage cans, and sink drains.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 May 2026
The storyline centers on Elaine carefully rationing her limited supply of discontinued contraceptive sponges, forcing her to evaluate whether her partners are worthy of using one.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026
Meanwhile, early versions of mollusks and sponges populated the seafloor as jellyfish floated above.
—Marlowe Starling, Quanta Magazine, 1 May 2026
The tide pools around Haystack and elsewhere along Cannon Beach are extraordinary, with colorful sea stars, anemones, crabs, snails, coral, sponges, and sea slugs.
—Kara Williams, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
Use natural dish scrubbers made from cellulose, coconut coir or loofah instead of synthetic sponges.
—Ryan Brennan
may 11, Miami Herald, 11 May 2026
Another 2026 study from researchers at the University of Bonn found common kitchen sponges released measurable amounts of microplastics annually.
—Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 May 2026
In the wild, marine sponges are delicate, simple living organisms, lacking brains, organs, and nervous systems, despite having risen in pop culture via a certain cartoon character with square pants.
—Erik Trinidad, Travel + Leisure, 8 May 2026
Damp sponges can be sanitized in the microwave for two minutes on high to eliminate bacteria.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026
They are drawn to rotting fruits and vegetables, sugary drinks, vinegar, alcohol, damp and dirty sponges, garbage cans, and sink drains.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 May 2026
The storyline centers on Elaine carefully rationing her limited supply of discontinued contraceptive sponges, forcing her to evaluate whether her partners are worthy of using one.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026
Meanwhile, early versions of mollusks and sponges populated the seafloor as jellyfish floated above.
—Marlowe Starling, Quanta Magazine, 1 May 2026
The tide pools around Haystack and elsewhere along Cannon Beach are extraordinary, with colorful sea stars, anemones, crabs, snails, coral, sponges, and sea slugs.
—Kara Williams, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sponges
Noun
-
After being tested for airtightness, helium was pumped into the glass enclosure through thin tubes inserted into the lead lining, to protect the document from corrosive oxygen and parasites.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 May 2026
-
Always wear gloves before handling nests to protect yourself from any germs or parasites.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
That just reminded me of who else comes over and drinks with me.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
16 May 2026
-
But beyond water and alcohol, Finland absolutely has non-alcoholic sauna drinks too, a lot of saunaing is obviously done without a drop of alcohol.—
Brad Japhe,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
Adonis yells as Gillis begs him to pull over.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
15 May 2026
-
In one of three handwritten letters, Rodriguez-Singh begs state District Judge Julie Lugo, who this week recused herself from the case for a reason that is not clear, for help.—
Emerson Clarridge,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
The wetland habitats of Condylura cristata are rich in small-bodied invertebrates — earthworms, leeches, aquatic insect larvae — but the individual caloric value of each prey item is low.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
-
Crappie like to hover below their prey, fining in place and examining slow-swimming invertebrates such as damselfly, dragonfly, and mayfly nymphs, as well as small leeches.—
Cory Schmidt,
Outdoor Life,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
It's made with deep five-millimeter lugs that are seriously grippy on all kinds of terrain from mud to rocks, and its special midsole absorbs a ton of impact to keep your feet pain-free and without fatigue for as long as possible.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
23 May 2026
-
Our Top Sunscreens Under Makeup But a few strategic steps can prevent that from happening, like using a lightweight moisturizer and wearing a makeup-friendly SPF that absorbs quickly, dries down smoothly, and doesn’t leave behind a slick or tacky finish.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sponges.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sponges. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
