SPONGE Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

sponge 1 of 2

noun

ˈspənj

Definition of sponge next

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sponge

2 of 2

verb

as in to absorb

to take in (something liquid) through small openings the ground quickly sponged up the much-needed rain

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonym Chooser

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

Put on your rubber gloves, grab a scrubby sponge, a small bowl and baking soda. —

Cody Godwin, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025 Some plastics can adsorb chemicals like a sponge and release them into clean drinking water slowly, making that water unsafe for long periods of time. —

Andrew J. Whelton, CNN, 17 Jan. 2025

Verb

Then, dampen a cleaning cloth or sponge with the mixture, and wipe down the stainless steel in one direction, towards the grain to prevent streaks. —

Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 26 Nov. 2024 Mix a solution of one part bleach to five parts water in a large bucket and use a bristled scrub brush, cloth, rag, or sponge to scrub each section of the fence, starting from the top and working your way to the bottom. —

Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sponge

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sponge

Noun

Karen Parker provides support and medical attention to migrants in the mountains, such as treating broken ankles, cuts and parasite wounds.

— Eugene Garcia, Chicago Tribune, 25 Jan. 2025
The researchers suspected that the snakeskins must bring some benefit—perhaps by helping to scare off predators, reduce skin parasite infestations or shift microbial communities in positive ways.

— Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025