sponge 1 of 2

noun

ˈspənj How to pronounce sponge (audio)
Definition of spongenext
as in parasite
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sponge

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to absorb
to take in (something liquid) through small openings the ground quickly sponged up the much-needed rain

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to beg
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

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun sponge differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of sponge are leech, parasite, sycophant, and toady. While all these words mean "a usually obsequious flatterer or self-seeker," sponge stresses the parasitic laziness, dependence, and opportunism of the cadger.

a shiftless sponge, always looking for a handout

When might leech be a better fit than sponge?

The words leech and sponge are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, leech stresses persistence in clinging to or bleeding another for one's own advantage.

a leech living off his family and friends

When can parasite be used instead of sponge?

The meanings of parasite and sponge largely overlap; however, parasite applies to one who clings to a person of wealth, power, or influence or is useless to society.

a jet-setter with an entourage of parasites

When would sycophant be a good substitute for sponge?

The synonyms sycophant and sponge are sometimes interchangeable, but sycophant adds to this a strong suggestion of fawning, flattery, or adulation.

a powerful prince surrounded by sycophants

In what contexts can toady take the place of sponge?

In some situations, the words toady and sponge are roughly equivalent. However, toady emphasizes the servility and snobbery of the self-seeker.

cultivated leaders of society and became their toady

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 sponge
Noun
When in doubt, opt for microfiber cloths, soft sponges, or non-abrasive scrubs. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 20 Aug. 2026 The coffin was covered with mud, and, before bringing it inside his house, Luwi cleaned it off with a bucket of water and a sponge. — Rachel Aviv, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
Verb
For a deep clean, clean manually with an oven degreaser and a brush or sponge, then the next time with the self-cleaning function. — Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 21 Aug. 2026 Use gentle, food-safe options like vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda with a soft cloth or sponge to safely clean the interior. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sponge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sponge
  1. parasite
  2. absorb
  3. beg
  4. drink
Noun
  • Such color variations are thought to be associated with camouflage, protection against parasites and ultraviolet radiation, and the effects of pleiotropic genes (genes that influence more than one, usually unrelated, physical trait or phenotype).
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The molecule also exists on malaria parasites; the researchers had been trying to identify allergen-specific monoclonal antibodies to neutralize infection, but none could bind well to the parasite.
    — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of parasite
Verb
  • Agricultural production technologies and weather forecasting capabilities have also improved substantially, all of which could help the market absorb part of the supply shocks.
    — , CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Margot has been absorbed with a new idea she’s discovered in her work and has even reached out to a scholar at NASA to discuss it.
    — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of absorb
Verb
  • Gianni Infantino went from immovable king of football to touring the world, begging people for support.
    — Nick Miller, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • But this begs the parallel question of what the current museum architecture arises from and reflects, and why the oceanic and the oligarchic logics of the museum’s reformation now travel together here.
    — George Baker, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of beg
Verb
  • Most are men between the ages of 18 and 49, without a college degree, earning less than $50,000 a year, less religious than average, and likely to also drink alcohol.
    — Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Food and drink Three meals a day—included in the rate, except for alcohol—are served in the main lodge, with every group being assigned the same table during their stay.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of drink

Phrases Containing sponge

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spoliators
sponge
sponged
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Cite this Entry

“Sponge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sponge. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sponge

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sponge

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