sponge 1 of 2

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

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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

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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

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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 soap and a sponge fail, Eddie, his wife Manda (Christine Tremarco) and daughter Lisa (Amelie Pease) go to a hardware store for paint to cover up the tag. Jessica Sager, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025 The underwater mountains of the northwest Pacific are dotted with various types of coral, sponges and plants. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
Spray or sponge the dog with cool or tepid water (not cold), especially on the underside. Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 18 June 2024 In the video, that has already crested over the million views mark, the 15-time major winner imparts wisdom on hitting woods off the deck and navigating a narrow tee shot while Horvat sponges up the tips. Mike Dojc, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sponge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sponge
Noun
  • Banner tells Whitfield that he’s lost his sheep herd to parasites, and Whitfield has the nerve to laugh.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Animals of all shapes, sizes, and evolutionary lineages engage in behaviors that ward off parasites, viruses, and harmful bacteria.
    Gabe Allen, Discover Magazine, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Huge fans blow outside air across a liquid that absorbs carbon dioxide molecules.
    David Pogue, CBS News, 23 Mar. 2025
  • The problem that absorbed them takes a key theme in mathematics and turns it into a concrete tool for group theorists.
    Leila Sloman, WIRED, 23 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • That included claims that Dorit's estranged husband, Paul Kemsley, had staged their 2021 home invasion in which Dorit begged for the safety of their children's lives as she was held at gunpoint.
    Dave Quinn, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025
  • But like my friend who only visits any place once for a peek, those sights may not beg a second visit.
    John Mariani, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Tonya drinks too much and is blacked out most of the time.
    Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Currently, more than 200 million Americans, or about 75% of the population, drink fluoridated water.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sponge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sponge. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

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