mooch

1
as in to beg
to live by relying on someone else's generosity or hospitality without sharing in the cost or responsibility he's always mooching off of his friends, even though he can easily pay his own way

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to sneak
to move about in a sly or secret manner I suspect she's mooching around in the background and keeping an eye on us

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

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 mooch Her family wants to mooch off her success while also criticizing her success. Lydia Patrick, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025 The exchange seemed to show real feelings and judgments — that the Europeans are mooching and that any American military action, no matter how clearly in American interests as well, should be somehow paid for by other beneficiaries. Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2025 Not for Chelsea, obviously, whom he’s already once told to go find a richer boyfriend to mooch off. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 2 Mar. 2025 Anyway, my friend and I were able to mooch a ride from him to that wonderful institution known as LAX, land of inconvenience, confusion, disdain and dirty bathrooms. Marla Jo Fisher, Orange County Register, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mooch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mooch
Verb
  • While Kardashian was begging for her life, the men rummaged through her belongings and stole roughly millions of dollars worth of jewelry from her.
    Caroline Blair, People.com, 13 May 2025
  • This begs the question: Why is the city of San Diego proposing a monthly fee of $47.59?
    U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • Another man was banned from Disney World earlier this week after allegedly attempting to sneak a wallet full of cocaine into the Magic Kingdom, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by PEOPLE.
    Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 2 May 2025
  • Sheriff’s officials allege that Britton would wait for assemblies or other activities to sneak into unlocked classrooms where teachers left personal items.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • Without the puck, Nurse and Bouchard have the same weakness (read and react, wandering).
    Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 3 May 2025
  • Instead, Shuai wanders about pouring other people’s drinks.
    Caroline Framke, Vulture, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • Dreux has entrusted Alyssa with delivering Uche’s money before the first of the month—but instead, Alyssa has asked her layabout, freeloading boyfriend Keshawn (Joshua David Neal) to put the money in Uche’s hands.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 4 Apr. 2025
  • If only Alyssa hadn’t entrusted the money to her freeloading boyfriend, Keshawn (Joshua David Neal).
    Natalia Winkelman, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Mars will appear in the constellation Cancer in the western sky, while Jupiter will lurk close to the horizon, setting just a few hours after the sun.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 13 May 2025
  • Probably not as many as are lurking on your medicine cabinet shelves.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • Phillip left that night with a wad of cash, and, still under the influence, began roaming the city.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 12 May 2025
  • Animals roam freely without the need for paved paths.
    Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • Hodge was walked intentionally, then stole second, and Harvard-Westlake made the decision to put Lopez on first to load the bases.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2025
  • Mac routinely stole scenes in the comedies of the '90s, such as Friday (1995) and The Player's Club (1998).
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • Challenging the narrative Defense attorney Stuart Adelstein strolled over to the lectern, his eyes piercing the jurors just feet away from him.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 12 May 2025
  • The Courant reported, in a story written in 1991, when the Pedlar approached its 100th anniversary, that the inn had seen many famous people stroll into its Victorian-style lobby and its dining room.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 10 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mooch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mooch. Accessed 16 May. 2025.

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