as in parasites
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
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 sponges
Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2025
As for makeup, think about precision tools, micro brow pencils, fine-tip liquid liner, beauty sponges for blending.
—Essence, 18 Sep. 2025
Head to Amazon now to snag Wright’s Copper Cream to make your pieces sparkle, plus shop copper cookware, non-abrasive sponges, and microfiber cloths to add extra shine to your products.
—Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2025
Note that abrasive brushes or sponges will leave small scratches on the surface, but, unlike with a nonstick pan, the scratches won’t damage the pan’s long-term efficacy.
—Emily Johnson, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
This microgel, Cho believes, could be a versatile building block for many eco-friendly materials, including paper, film, and sponges.
—Sandy Ong, JSTOR Daily, 11 Sep. 2025
Nutrients from the Orinoco Delta make the waters particularly enticing to marine life and also help the island’s barrel sponges grow especially huge.
—Terry Ward, AFAR Media, 11 Sep. 2025
Nellie’s 3-Pack Swedish Dishcloths These Swedish dishcloths reduce the need for both sponges and single-use paper towels.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2025
Wetlands are natural sponges, soaking up excess rainwater and slowly releasing it over time.
—Howard Learner, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2025
Noun
The same rule applies to abrasive sponges or metal scrubbers.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2025
As for makeup, think about precision tools, micro brow pencils, fine-tip liquid liner, beauty sponges for blending.
—Essence, 18 Sep. 2025
Head to Amazon now to snag Wright’s Copper Cream to make your pieces sparkle, plus shop copper cookware, non-abrasive sponges, and microfiber cloths to add extra shine to your products.
—Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2025
Note that abrasive brushes or sponges will leave small scratches on the surface, but, unlike with a nonstick pan, the scratches won’t damage the pan’s long-term efficacy.
—Emily Johnson, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
This microgel, Cho believes, could be a versatile building block for many eco-friendly materials, including paper, film, and sponges.
—Sandy Ong, JSTOR Daily, 11 Sep. 2025
Nutrients from the Orinoco Delta make the waters particularly enticing to marine life and also help the island’s barrel sponges grow especially huge.
—Terry Ward, AFAR Media, 11 Sep. 2025
Nellie’s 3-Pack Swedish Dishcloths These Swedish dishcloths reduce the need for both sponges and single-use paper towels.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2025
Wetlands are natural sponges, soaking up excess rainwater and slowly releasing it over time.
—Howard Learner, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sponges
Noun
-
Despite having blood parasites and heart-worm disease, Sena was otherwise healthy, though her organs immediately gave her old age away.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Sep. 2025
-
That connection between parasites and environment is what excites her most.—
Melissa Cristina Márquez,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The shop is also selling the popular fall drinks Pumpkin Spice Latte and Pumpkin Chai.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Despite being more than 55% ABV, the amber whiskey drinks way below its proof point, and has a rich, playful nose.—
Andy Vasoyan,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
This then begs the question, If there was a majority of Koreans who wanted social democratic style reforms, and their aspirations had the support of American and Korean reformers in the military government, why did South Korea end up with an authoritarian regime led by Syngman Rhee?—
Kornel Chang
September 19,
Literary Hub,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Such behavior effectively begs for no tip or even a slap.—
Boris Kontsevoi,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Once the workplace of Revolutionary War figure General Hugh Mercer, the recreated 18th-century pharmacy and doctor’s office is filled with tinctures, leeches, and surgical tools, all explained by costumed interpreters.—
Madeline Weinfield,
Southern Living,
17 Sep. 2025
-
The small-mouth bass go for the leeches, too.—
Jeremy Rutherford,
New York Times,
23 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Other fruit juices, including apple and citrus ones like orange, may also affect how your body absorbs and processes certain blood pressure medications, said David Maron, MD, a cardiologist with the Preventive Cardiology Clinic at Stanford Medicine.—
Julia Ries Wexler,
Health,
18 Sep. 2025
-
After testing, our top overall pick is La Roche-Posay’s Hyalu B5 Serum because it’s recommended by dermatologists, feels extremely lightweight, and absorbs quickly.—
Danielle Cohen,
Glamour,
18 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sponges.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sponges. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share