absorb
9 synonyms and 1 antonyms for absorb, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To soak up a liquid, gas, or other substance.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use absorb
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin absorbeo, "to swallow up," combining ab- ("from") with sorbeo ("to suck in"), from an ancient root meaning "to sip."
Full origin of absorb →Frequently asked questions
What does “absorb” mean?
The word “absorb” means to soak up a liquid, gas, or other substance. In plain terms, to take something in fully — a liquid into a sponge, an impact into a cushion, a cost into a budget, or attention into a good book.
How do you pronounce “absorb”?
“Absorb” is pronounced uhb-ZAWB (/æbˈsɔɹb/ in IPA).
How do you use “absorb” in a sentence?
Here is “absorb” used in a sentence: “The towel quickly absorbed the spilled water.”
What is another word for “absorb”?
Words with a similar meaning to “absorb” include bear, pay for and take in.
What is the opposite of “absorb”?
The opposite of “absorb” — its antonyms — is emit.
What part of speech is “absorb”?
“Absorb” is a verb.
Where does the word “absorb” come from?
The word “absorb” comes from Latin. From Latin absorbeo, "to swallow up," combining ab- ("from") with sorbeo ("to suck in"), from an ancient root meaning "to sip.".
Is “absorb” a common word?
“Absorb” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between "absorb" and "adsorb"?
"Absorb" means to soak up a substance so it is taken into and distributed through the interior of a material, like a sponge soaking up water. "Adsorb" is a distinct scientific term meaning a substance sticks only to the surface of another material, without penetrating it.
What does it mean for a company to "absorb a cost"?
When a business absorbs a cost, it takes on that expense itself rather than passing it on to customers, so others don't have to pay it. This usage extends the core sense of "absorb" as taking something in, applied to finances.
What is the difference between "absorbed" and "absorbing" as adjectives?
"Absorbed" typically describes a person's state of being fully occupied by something, as in "absorbed in a book," describing the person affected. "Absorbing" describes the thing itself as capable of holding attention, as in "an absorbing story," describing the source of interest.
Can "absorb" describe reducing the force of an impact?
Yes, "absorb" can mean to take in and reduce the force of an impact, sound, or shock, such as a padded surface absorbing a fall. This is a distinct sense from soaking up liquid, though both involve taking something in and containing its effect.