merge vs absorb

merge and absorb both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
merge	No	No	Yes	No
absorb	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, absorb is a hyponym of merge; that is, absorb is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than merge:

merge (verb)	absorb (verb)
become one	cause to become one with
mix together different elements	take up mentally
join or combine	consume all of one's attention or time
	devote (oneself) fully to
	take in, also metaphorically
	become imbued
	assimilate or take in
	take up, as of debts or payments
	suck or take up or in