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
Serve the fish over rice or with pasta, both of which will beautifully soak up any extra sauce.
—
Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2025
It was then transferred to French oak Cognac casks that were seasoned with vanilla extract for ten weeks, creating a new range of flavors for the liquid to soak up.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 25 Feb. 2025
As butter melts, silken tofu welcomes it with open arms, soaking up the golden goodness.
—Emma Laperruque, Bon Appétit, 20 Feb. 2025
An angled cut exposes more of the stem to the water than a straight trim, which will help the flowers soak up as much water as possible.
—Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for soak up
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Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2025
It was then transferred to French oak Cognac casks that were seasoned with vanilla extract for ten weeks, creating a new range of flavors for the liquid to soak up.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 25 Feb. 2025
As butter melts, silken tofu welcomes it with open arms, soaking up the golden goodness.
—Emma Laperruque, Bon Appétit, 20 Feb. 2025
An angled cut exposes more of the stem to the water than a straight trim, which will help the flowers soak up as much water as possible.
—Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2025
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 3 Mar. 2025.
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