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

Don’t worry, there’s a relatively easy and quick fix that will help soak up the excess liquid: Make a slurry of flour or cornstarch in liquid (broth or water) to help thicken it up and then cook it for a bit longer. —Jill Schildhouse, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2024

After soaking up the mystique of Prague’s tourist spots, Aquarians might end the evening at a themed café or jazz bar, where eccentric souls from all over the world gather. —Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024

Sit back and soak up the last few weeks of autumn with this Zimfem Camping Chair, 40 percent off, and prepare for cold weather hikes on the horizon with these rechargeable electric hand warmers, 30 percent off. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2024

To keep them from soaking up cleaning chemicals, spray them down with water thoroughly beforehand. —Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 2024