sponges 1 of 2

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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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

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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
Noun
  • Most standard portable filters only catch parasites, so check that any filter is certified to NSF Standard 53 or 58 with a small enough pore size.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026
  • Most portable filters won’t catch viruses or bacteria, but one certified to NSF Standard 53 or 58 with a small enough pore size can remove parasites.
    Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Shop our favorite ways to carry your gear, cool off in the shade, and keep snacks and drinks fresh all day long.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 30 June 2026
  • Everyone here drinks the wellness kool-aid—from Lululemon yogis perfecting their headstands to tree huggers taking beekeeping classes.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • Which begs a larger question, really.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 25 June 2026
  • The family begs for a twilight cruise, but the battery is already tapped out.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 24 June 2026
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
Verb
  • Often, firming lotions are thick and leave a white cast, but this Olay option, which more than 30,000 buyers have picked up in the past month alone, is lightweight, non-greasy, and absorbs quickly.
    Claire West, InStyle, 1 July 2026
  • As artificial intelligence rapidly absorbs routine coding, research, analysis, and administrative tasks, many of the entry-level roles that once introduced young people to professional life are being transformed.
    C.M. Rubin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sponges.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sponges. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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