soak up

phrasal verb

soaked up; soaking up; soaks up

1

: to take in (liquid) : absorb

The rag soaked up most of the water.

2

: to enjoy feeling or experiencing (something pleasant) in usually a slow or relaxed way

We went to the beach and soaked up the sun/sunshine all afternoon.

I sat at my table for an hour soaking up the atmosphere of the café.

The performers stood on the stage, soaking up the applause.

3

: to learn and remember (something) quickly

He eagerly soaked up every word she said.

She has an ability to soak up new information very quickly.

4

: to use a large amount of (money, supplies, etc.)

This project is soaking up resources that could be used elsewhere.

Examples of soak up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In years past, the locker room has soaked up his attention to detail, his dedication to marginal value. —Fred Katz, New York Times, 21 May 2025

Optional splurge: Stay at Harmon Guest House or Hotel Healdsburg for stylish digs within walking distance of everything. Saturday: Head to the Redwoods or the Coast Spend your Saturday soaking up California’s natural beauty. —Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 19 May 2025

Place a paper towel at the bottom of the container before placing in the berries to help soak up any excess moisture. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 18 May 2025

But for now, Mirabelli is soaking up her win in Seoul. —Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 16 May 2025

Rhymes for soak up

• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup
• markup