The term 'absorb, as gravy' can be solved by two crossword solutions: SOP (3 letters) and SOPUP (5 letters). SOP stands for 'soak up' and is a verb meaning to take in or absorb something, such as liquid. SOPUP is an abbreviation of the phrase 'soak up, ' which is used to describe the action of absorbing liquid, such as gravy. Both terms are commonly used in cooking to describe the process of absorbing liquid into food.