1
as in drinking
to take in (something liquid) through small openings
the ground quickly sponged up the much-needed rain
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in begging
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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sponging
Verb
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Anyone who’s drinking hot pumpkin spice lattes in a chunky sweater may need to rein it in for a little while.—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
11 Sep. 2025 -
Sheen and Peele were on a plane and tensions were already high between the two — while Sheen started drinking heavily in his seat.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Set of 4 6-Ounce Ramekins This four-piece stoneware ramekin set is just begging to be added to your fall tablescape—and don’t forget about it when Thanksgiving rolls around either.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Sep. 2025
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Your sleep paralysis demon is begging you to read Herculine.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The drop in profit margins suggests businesses are absorbing higher costs driven by tariffs in their bottom lines.—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
10 Sep. 2025
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Aveda Hand Relief Moisturizing Crème gets it right with a rich yet fast-absorbing formula that pairs glycerin and aloe vera for lasting hydration, while exfoliating lactic acid gently smooths rough patches.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
10 Sep. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Sponging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sponging. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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