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

He is then seen wagging his tail and soaking up the attention. —Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025

Against Ipswich — another side who were expected to sit deep and soak up Liverpool’s pressure — Slot kept Nunez on the bench and opted for Diaz as the No 9 again. —Andy Jones, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025

Most sunfish spend their days swimming slowly through the world’s oceans, feasting on jellyfish or soaking up the sun near the water’s surface. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Jan. 2025

Serve this chicken over any pasta to soak up all of the excess sauce. —Phoebe Evans, Southern Living, 23 Jan. 2025