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Glite Dictionary
spongelike

spongelike

4.9
Soft and full of small holes that soak up liquids
  • adjective
  • /ˈspʌŋˌlaɪk/
translation icon : esponjoso
  • The new filter is made from a spongelike material that efficiently traps dirt and impurities.

Examples

  • In the garden, the spongelike soil holds moisture for the plants to absorb.

  • Because of the spongelike action of sphagnum moss, the peat stays in place rather than flowing downslope.

    Academic text (2002)

  • The sponge's spongelike texture allows it to soak up water quickly.

Synonyms

porous
vsspongelike
23 4.6

Full of small holes that let water or air pass through

emphasizes softness and active absorption and release rather than mere permeability
spongy
vsspongelike
11 2.2

Soft and full of small holes that soak up liquid easily

describes similarity to that texture rather than stating it directly
absorbent
vsspongelike
10 3.4

Able to soak up liquid easily

adds soft porous structure and the power to let liquids out again
porotic
vsspongelike
  • Specialized
1 9.6

A material like rock or bone that lets air and water pass through

is a broader everyday word for soft porous texture and liquid holding ability
spongiform
vsspongelike
  • Specialized
8.3

A thing that is soft and full of small holes like a sponge

is the common general adjective for similar soft porous texture outside medicine
foamlike
vsspongelike
3.9

A material with many small holes that feels soft and spongy

focuses on softness and liquid absorption rather than airy bubble texture

Antonyms

nonabsorbent
6.2

A material that does not soak up liquids

How Absorbent

absorbent
10 3.4
spongelike
4.9
porous
23 4.6

Surface Forms

spongelike positive

Morphology

spongelike = sponge (transparent) = sponge + like

The adjective is directly formed from the noun 'sponge' with the productive suffix '-like' meaning 'resembling a sponge'.

Etymology

Spongelike comes from sponge, the soft sea animal or the kitchen tool that soaks up water, and the ending -like, which means 'similar to'. So, something spongelike is soft, full of tiny holes and 'soaks up' or releases liquids like a sponge.