1. soak it up
2. absorbs
Black cloth absorbs light.
Blotting paper absorbs ink.
Work absorbs most of his time.
Dry sand absorbs water.
Cotton absorbs water.
A sponge absorbs liquids.
His study absorbs him.
Business absorbs all his time.
Sponge absorbs water so it is convenient for shading water-colours and such.
This cloth absorbs water well.
A man who concentrates before a work of art is absorbed by it. In contrast, the distracted mass absorbs the work of art.
3. engulfing
This book is so engulfing!
4. engulfs