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.

Chief among them is the seeming inability to absorb a blow and come back fighting.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

For instance, chlorine-terminated MXenes absorb strongly in the 14-18 GHz range, while bromine- and iodine-based versions respond to different frequency ranges.

From Science Daily • Apr. 4, 2026

OpenAI executives are hoping that, by giving Hays and Coogan access to the company’s latest research and culture, they will be able to absorb OpenAI’s messaging into their content.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Recessions have become rarer as we learn how to better absorb the shocks that historically would have contributed to recessions.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

The neurons of Bobby’s brain seemed to absorb the limitations and possibilities of each piece in any given position, storing them for future reference.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.