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
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Recent Examples of sponges
Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 14 Mar. 2026
Glass sponges build intricate, mesh-like skeletons out of silica — the same material used to make glass.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
Kitchen sponges trap food particles and bacteria.
—Cody Godwin, USA Today, 8 Mar. 2026
The species discovered include ancient relatives of worms, sponges and jellyfish.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 27 Feb. 2026
What Lived 512 Million Years Ago The species discovered include ancient relatives of worms, sponges and jellyfish.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 27 Feb. 2026
Not to mention the sponges, soaps, and other items cluttering up the sink area.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2026
The key to the invention is Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs)—synthetic, porous materials that act like advanced sponges.
—Munis Raza, Interesting Engineering, 23 Feb. 2026
Towels and Sponges Storing towels and sponges near the sink also makes a lot of sense in theory, but keeping them under the sink can lead to mold and mildew issues.
—Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 22 Feb. 2026
Noun
In a study published by the International Journal of Food Science, researchers analyzed over 200 kitchen sponges, finding a host of bacteria alongside yeast and mold.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 14 Mar. 2026
Glass sponges build intricate, mesh-like skeletons out of silica — the same material used to make glass.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
Kitchen sponges trap food particles and bacteria.
—Cody Godwin, USA Today, 8 Mar. 2026
The species discovered include ancient relatives of worms, sponges and jellyfish.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 27 Feb. 2026
What Lived 512 Million Years Ago The species discovered include ancient relatives of worms, sponges and jellyfish.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 27 Feb. 2026
Not to mention the sponges, soaps, and other items cluttering up the sink area.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2026
The key to the invention is Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs)—synthetic, porous materials that act like advanced sponges.
—Munis Raza, Interesting Engineering, 23 Feb. 2026
Towels and Sponges Storing towels and sponges near the sink also makes a lot of sense in theory, but keeping them under the sink can lead to mold and mildew issues.
—Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 22 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sponges
Noun
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Satoskar says the inaccurate information that influencers are sharing about parasites might encourage people, including those with delusional parasitosis, to make risky health decisions.—
Sarah Boden,
NPR,
16 Mar. 2026
-
They have been microchipped, vaccinated and treated for fleas and parasites.—
Maryanne Dell,
Oc Register,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Austin nightclub Cheer Up Charlies, a 15-year-old queer- and women-owned venue downtown, has made a name for itself for more than its musical lineup and drinks selection.—
Julianna Duennes Russ,
Austin American Statesman,
11 Mar. 2026
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With just burgers, fries, shakes, and drinks on the menu, everything is made fresh and sourced locally.—
Sari Hitchins,
Parents,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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That, too, begs a certain allowance.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
12 Mar. 2026
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In the wake of Princess Diana's death in 1997, the queen tends to affairs privately yet butts heads with Prime Minister Tony Blair (Michael Sheen), who begs her to address the nation.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Dysmenorrhea might be treated by placing leeches on the abdomen to increase blood loss.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 Mar. 2026
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In an effort to save Cathy, doctors place leeches over her body in hopes of removing the bad blood.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The cushiony cream is packed with Blue Hyaluronic Acid, a micro-sized form of HA that absorbs quickly and delivers long-lasting hydration.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
21 Mar. 2026
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In the agency partnership announced Thursday, the Treasury absorbs the loans from borrowers who are in default or haven’t paid their debts for at least nine months.—
Arthur Jones II,
ABC News,
19 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sponges.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sponges. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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