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
Jane Kim, The Spruce, 15 Feb. 2026
Sea turtles snoozed, manta rays glided, and reef fish darted by the thousands over lava pinnacles covered in corals and basket sponges.
—Betsy Andrews, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
This quick-drying pick is offered in three colors and is a great place to store wet sponges and scrubbers, as well as soap dispensers.
—Jamie Weissman, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Feb. 2026
Let towels and sponges dry fully and don't store them damp.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2026
In addition to using soft sponges and rags, Martha recommends using cotton swabs to apply the cream to tight spots and crevices when cleaning.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 9 Feb. 2026
Consider other products that complement the shower steamer experience, like shower gels, lotions and loofah sponges, in your gift set too.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Among the species discovered were ancient relatives of worms, sponges and jellyfish.
—CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
The bowl has four different kinds of silicone mat textures to clean different types and sizes of makeup brushes and sponges.
—Taryn Brooke, Glamour, 22 Jan. 2026
Noun
Cleaning pros recommend replacing dish towels, sponges and scrubbers, plastic containers, and cutting boards frequently to maintain kitchen hygiene.
—Jane Kim, The Spruce, 15 Feb. 2026
Sea turtles snoozed, manta rays glided, and reef fish darted by the thousands over lava pinnacles covered in corals and basket sponges.
—Betsy Andrews, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
This quick-drying pick is offered in three colors and is a great place to store wet sponges and scrubbers, as well as soap dispensers.
—Jamie Weissman, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Feb. 2026
Let towels and sponges dry fully and don't store them damp.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2026
In addition to using soft sponges and rags, Martha recommends using cotton swabs to apply the cream to tight spots and crevices when cleaning.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 9 Feb. 2026
Consider other products that complement the shower steamer experience, like shower gels, lotions and loofah sponges, in your gift set too.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Among the species discovered were ancient relatives of worms, sponges and jellyfish.
—CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
The bowl has four different kinds of silicone mat textures to clean different types and sizes of makeup brushes and sponges.
—Taryn Brooke, Glamour, 22 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sponges
Noun
-
Also required is proof of a negative fecal test for internal parasites.—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
16 Feb. 2026
-
The drug, largely used to treat people or animals for infections caused by parasites, is a popular dewormer for horses.—
Rachana Pradhan,
STAT,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The 5-foot-4 Escobar, who wrestles at 122 pounds, had organized his wrestling clothing, food and drinks the night before.—
Don Norcross,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Both drinks help with fluid intake, but coconut water is the better choice after a workout or a hot day.—
Abby Norman,
Verywell Health,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Stephen then begs Lucy to leave with him, only to abandon her on the side of the road.—
Olivia Truffaut-Wong,
Vulture,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Look for a location with spring weather that begs for time on patios, in the pool, on the golf course, pedaling on a bike, or soaking up beauty on or along the water.—
Karla Walsh,
Southern Living,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In an effort to save Cathy, doctors place leeches over her body in hopes of removing the bad blood.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
14 Feb. 2026
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Even in modern medicine, the practice isn’t obsolete; doctors sometimes apply live leeches after reconstructive surgery to keep blood from clotting in flaps of tissue.—
Blair Braverman,
Outside,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In her expert opinion, the best eye cream for the day is one with a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly (one to two minutes, tops) with no shine or slip.—
Tracy Perez Han,
InStyle,
20 Feb. 2026
-
The Waymo absorbs this without flinching.—
Greg Mania,
New Yorker,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sponges.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sponges. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
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