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
Harvey, who has decided not to play sports in college, is soaking up every second of his final season.
—
Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
For the pair of South Bay natives, Chloe, from Torrance, and Bea spend their free time shopping, soaking up the sun or going to the beach.
—Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
Bag a table outside to fully soak up the glistening ocean panorama, interrupted only by the occasional strutting peacock.
—Harriet Compston, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026
Housed in a lighthouse from the 1890s, this is the place to soak up the local history and catch the water views from a unique vantage point.
—Meredith Lindemon, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for soak up
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Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
For the pair of South Bay natives, Chloe, from Torrance, and Bea spend their free time shopping, soaking up the sun or going to the beach.
—Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
Bag a table outside to fully soak up the glistening ocean panorama, interrupted only by the occasional strutting peacock.
—Harriet Compston, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026
Housed in a lighthouse from the 1890s, this is the place to soak up the local history and catch the water views from a unique vantage point.
—Meredith Lindemon, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for soak up
Cite this Entry
“Soak up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soak%20up. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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