soak up
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
Beyond Terricola, Terrestre’s beach bar, Lunatico, was a great place to grab a cocktail and soak up the sun on the sand.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026
In the Jazz Age, the culture and the style that Bradley was soaking up every night were information that white performers craved, but which racial segregation impeded them from accessing.
—Brian Seibert, New Yorker, 13 May 2026
Because soil can absorb only so much water at once, what is not soaked up collects on the surface where it's more readily evaporated.
—Doyle Rice, USA Today, 13 May 2026
Amble along Main Street and the Bearskin Neck peninsula and soak up the artsy vibes.
—Amy Thomas, Travel + Leisure, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for soak up
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Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026
In the Jazz Age, the culture and the style that Bradley was soaking up every night were information that white performers craved, but which racial segregation impeded them from accessing.
—Brian Seibert, New Yorker, 13 May 2026
Because soil can absorb only so much water at once, what is not soaked up collects on the surface where it's more readily evaporated.
—Doyle Rice, USA Today, 13 May 2026
Amble along Main Street and the Bearskin Neck peninsula and soak up the artsy vibes.
—Amy Thomas, Travel + Leisure, 12 May 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 21 May. 2026.
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