Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

absorb

[ab-sawrb, -zawrb] / æbˈsɔrb, -ˈzɔrb /
VERB
physically take in a liquid
Synonyms
STRONGEST
consume ingest swallow take in
STRONG
blot devour imbibe ingurgitate
WEAK
drink in osmose soak up sop up sponge up suck in
Antonyms
STRONG
abstain
WEAK
disperse dissipate distract eject emit exude misunderstand not get spew vomit
VERB
mentally take in information
Synonyms
STRONGEST
assimilate follow get incorporate learn take in understand
STRONG
comprehend digest grasp sense
WEAK
get into latch onto soak up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
miss misunderstand
WEAK
disperse dissipate distract eject emit exude not get spew vomit
VERB
occupy complete attention
Synonyms
STRONGEST
consume employ involve
STRONG
captivate concern engage engross fascinate fill hold immerse monopolize obsess preoccupy rivet
Antonyms
STRONG
cancel ignore let go reject release repel repulse
WEAK
disperse dissipate distract eject emit exude misunderstand not get spew vomit

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

While McDonald’s global footprint allows it to absorb margin pressure better than rivals, value offers might reset customer expectations and make it harder to raise prices later.

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

It’s there to protect you from the kind of hit you can’t absorb on your own.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

This suggests that cells in the body operate with fewer available nutrients, which limits their ability to absorb nanoparticles.

From Science Daily • Apr. 20, 2026

Smaller enterprises, local governments and small hospitals simply can’t absorb the costs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

His skin was so black and wrinkled that it seemed to absorb light into its crevices, to be let out again in the most glorious smile I’d ever seen on anyone with no teeth.

From "When I Was Puerto Rican" by Esmeralda Santiago

Vocabulary lists containing absorb

The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 2

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 7–11

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The ACT Reading Test: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 2

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!