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
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.
With all the cars trapped in their garages and a thick blanket of snow soaking up all the sound, the world becomes a serene, precious place. Josh Miller, Southern Living, 22 Jan. 2025 For seeds with a hard seed coat, scraping them on 150-grit sandpaper scratches the seed coat enough to allow the seed to soak up or imbibe water. Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 17 Jan. 2025 Or soak up lessons on mentality and mound presence on flights and bus rides and so many quiet moments in the dugout? Grant Brisbee, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025 The country has thrived on the free flow of goods, people, and ideas, soaking up foreign talent and capital like a sponge and building a global commercial order that attracts allies. Michael Beckley, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for soak up 

Dictionary Entries Near soak up

Cite this Entry

“Soak up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soak%20up. Accessed 25 Jan. 2025.

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