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

But in recent years, attention has shifted to less obvious sources of germs like reusable water bottles, kitchen sponges, cell phones and makeup brushes. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 20 July 2026

These structures are riddled with microscopic pores that behave like molecular sponges, soaking up water vapor and releasing it again with minimal fuss. — New Atlas, 16 July 2026

Abrasive sponges, stiff brushes, and harsh products can damage surfaces and are rarely necessary with the right cleaning method. — Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 16 July 2026

Scrub Daddy is another popular household tool, and these cheery sponges come in a pack of five. — Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2026

Here are the places to avoid using a Magic Eraser and other similar melamine sponges. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 5 July 2026

Not all makeup sponges are created equal. — Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026