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
Kara Williams, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
Foam brushes aren’t the best for cleaning, as their sponges can hang on to microbes and odors.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Medications, sponges, and cosmetics can all become safety issues if used beyond their lifespan.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 2026
Another company, which sells wound care products like bandages, dressings, pads and sponges to nursing homes and other medical facilities, plans to raise its prices by 15% in a matter of weeks.
—Anne D’innocenzio, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
Their brains work like sponges, absorbing patterns, strategies, and concepts at remarkable speed.
—Sara Hansen, Denver Post, 17 Apr. 2026
Mendes' collection of sponges and cleaning tools can be found on Skura Style.
—Julie Jordan, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
For a gentler alternative to heavy-duty scrubbing sponges, Truong recommends using one with softer fibers and very mild abrasive particles.
—Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 11 Apr. 2026
Many imitation almond extracts or essences rely on synthetic benzaldehyde for flavor, which can create saccharine notes that overpower delicate desserts like custards, sponges, or pastry creams.
—Emily Saladino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
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
Foam brushes aren’t the best for cleaning, as their sponges can hang on to microbes and odors.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Medications, sponges, and cosmetics can all become safety issues if used beyond their lifespan.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 2026
Another company, which sells wound care products like bandages, dressings, pads and sponges to nursing homes and other medical facilities, plans to raise its prices by 15% in a matter of weeks.
—Anne D’innocenzio, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
Their brains work like sponges, absorbing patterns, strategies, and concepts at remarkable speed.
—Sara Hansen, Denver Post, 17 Apr. 2026
Mendes' collection of sponges and cleaning tools can be found on Skura Style.
—Julie Jordan, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
For a gentler alternative to heavy-duty scrubbing sponges, Truong recommends using one with softer fibers and very mild abrasive particles.
—Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 11 Apr. 2026
Many imitation almond extracts or essences rely on synthetic benzaldehyde for flavor, which can create saccharine notes that overpower delicate desserts like custards, sponges, or pastry creams.
—Emily Saladino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sponges
Noun
-
While viral infections are the most common cause in the United States, bacteria, parasites and fungi can also cause the condition.—
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
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The Florida Museum of Natural History notes that the pythons have also introduced harmful non-native parasites to Florida and reduced medium-sized mammal populations by more than 90%, significantly changing the Everglades ecosystem.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Decided to become a breatharian (someone who eats light and drinks air instead of food).—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The rooftop’s decor and drinks change with the season for an ever-evolving experience.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Fingal, a more scholarly type, begs to differ.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
21 Apr. 2026
-
But Caitlin begs Vix to come to her wedding, to be her maid of honor.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
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
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The jungle, in the Truong Son range between Laos and the South China Sea, is home to tigers and leeches.—
Nicole Young,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The floor absorbs sound, and the only light shone from a hole at the top of the tent.—
Daniel Cassady,
ARTnews.com,
1 May 2026
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Key Takeaways Chia seed water is a good source of soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol by reducing the amount your body absorbs.—
Mark Gurarie,
Verywell Health,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sponges.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sponges. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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