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
Just a sponge, man — just taking everything in and just learning and growing. — Kansas City Star, 4 Aug. 2026 Avoid using a washcloth, a mesh sponge, or any other object to rub the cleanser in, as these can cause skin irritation. — Sherri Gordon, HEALTH, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
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 Using a damp cloth or sponge, wipe down the inside of the oven. — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sponge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sponge
  1. parasite
  2. absorb
  3. beg
  4. drink
Noun
  • As health officials pointed to a Mexican processing plant run by Taylor Farms as the source of a parasite sickening Americans, the giant produce company rushed to defend itself.
    — Yahya Abou-Ghazala, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
  • In an uncanny parallel, the DSA’s ties to the modern Democratic Party resemble the host-parasite dynamic between a Glyptapanteles wasp and a caterpillar.
    — Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of parasite
Verb
  • Traditional brokerages are now absorbing crypto as another asset class, integrating it into their platforms and driving down fees.
    — Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The slaked lime is capable of absorbing CO₂ from the surrounding air.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of absorb
Verb
  • The warm waffle can be filled with matcha, strawberry soft serve or a swirl of both, then dressed up Pocky sticks for a dessert that practically begs for a photo before the first bite.
    — Brittany Anas, Denver Post, 11 Aug. 2026
  • That's because when the stakes are high, and the actors begin to cry, the serious tone begs to be subverted by a humorous caption.
    — Owen Carry, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of beg
Verb
  • The result is great for work, drinks with the girls, and dinner reservations alike.
    — Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Jennifer Messemer-Skold, the communications director for Miami-Dade Water and Sewer, said the department’s stance is that the county’s tap water meets all current requirements and residents don’t need a filter to be drinking high quality water.
    — Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 7 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 13 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sponge

Nglish: Translation of sponge for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sponge

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