OpenSynonym

absorb

/əbˈsɔrb/

VERB

1. To take in and incorporate

To take something into a larger whole so that it becomes integrated and no longer exists as a separate part.

1.1. Integration into a larger whole

To incorporate something into an existing organization, system, group, or substance so that it becomes part of it.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The larger company plans to absorb the smaller business into its operations.
  • The new department will absorb several existing teams.

Related Words

1.2. Assimilation into a culture or society

To incorporate people, customs, or cultural influences into a dominant culture or community.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • exclude
  • segregate
  • isolate

Examples

  • The community gradually absorbed newcomers into its cultural traditions.

Related Words

VERB

2. To engulf or swallow up

To surround, overwhelm, or consume something so completely that it disappears or becomes enclosed within something else.

2.1. Physical engulfment

To cover or surround something completely, often causing it to disappear from view or become submerged.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The rising floodwaters absorbed the low-lying fields.
  • Darkness gradually absorbed the landscape as the sun set.

Related Words

VERB

3. To soak up or take in a substance

To draw in and retain a liquid, gas, or other substance through physical or chemical action.

3.1. Absorption of liquids

To soak up or draw liquid into a material, especially a porous substance such as a sponge, cloth, or paper.

Synonyms

  • soak up
  • sop up
  • imbibe
  • sponge up
  • drink in

Antonyms

Examples

  • The sponge absorbs water quickly.
  • Dry soil absorbs rainfall more readily than compacted soil.

Related Words

  • absorbency
  • porosity
  • sponge
  • moisture

3.2. Biological or chemical uptake

To take in a substance through a biological process or chemical interaction, such as the uptake of nutrients by the body.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The intestines absorb nutrients from digested food.
  • Plant roots absorb minerals and water from the soil.

Related Words

  • nutrient uptake
  • digestion
  • metabolism
  • diffusion

VERB

4. To take in energy or radiation

To receive and retain energy, radiation, or another form of energy, often converting it into another form.

4.1. Energy and radiation absorption

To take in energy such as light, heat, or sound rather than reflecting or transmitting it.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • Plants absorb sunlight through photosynthesis.
  • Dark surfaces absorb more heat than light-colored surfaces.

Related Words

VERB

5. To engross or occupy attention

To engage someone's attention or interest so completely that they become deeply involved in something.

5.1. Complete mental engagement

To hold someone's attention so strongly that they become fully involved or immersed in an activity or experience.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • distract
  • bore
  • disengage

Examples

  • The novel absorbed her so completely that she forgot the time.
  • The students were absorbed in the science experiment.

Related Words

VERB

6. To occupy or consume time

To use up or take up a period of time through an activity or process.

6.1. Use of available time

To fill or take up someone's time with an activity, task, or responsibility.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The administrative work absorbed most of her afternoon.
  • Preparing the report absorbed several hours of his time.

Related Words

  • duration
  • schedule
  • time management
  • commitment

VERB

7. To understand or assimilate information

To take in information mentally and understand or retain it through learning or thought.

7.1. Mental comprehension

To understand and mentally process information, ideas, or knowledge so that they can be remembered or used.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • misunderstand
  • misinterpret
  • ignore

Examples

  • It takes time to absorb complex information.
  • Students should absorb the key concepts before moving on to advanced topics.

Related Words

VERB

8. To take on or pay a cost

To accept a financial expense or assume a cost as part of a business arrangement or transaction.

8.1. Assumption of expenses

To take responsibility for a cost or expense that might otherwise be charged to another person or party.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • transfer
  • pass on
  • charge

Examples

  • The retailer agreed to absorb the additional shipping costs.
  • The company will absorb the losses rather than increase prices.

Related Words

8.2. Defraying business costs

To pay or cover expenses on behalf of a customer or another party instead of passing those expenses on to them.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • charge
  • bill
  • pass on

Examples

  • The manufacturer absorbed the installation costs for its customers.

Related Words

  • reimbursement
  • subsidy
  • overhead
  • operating expenses

VERB

9. To purchase or accept in quantity

To buy or take in a large quantity of goods, products, or resources.

9.1. Bulk purchasing

To purchase or acquire goods in large quantities, often for business use, resale, or storage.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • sell
  • dispose of
  • liquidate

Examples

  • The distributor absorbed the available stock from several smaller suppliers.

Related Words