Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun sponger

2 senses of sponger

Sense 1
sponger -- (a workman employed to collect sponges)
       => workman, workingman, working man, working person -- (an employee who performs manual or industrial labor)

Sense 2
leech, parasite, sponge, sponger -- (a follower who hangs around a host (without benefit to the host) in hope of gain or advantage)
       => follower -- (a person who accepts the leadership of another)