So the margin of what the city could now absorb is much greater than it was back then.

But with an economic downturn looming, some wonder if the city can absorb more.

This city gradually absorbed the former settlements around the area.

No other city has absorbed so many different nationalities since immigration laws were changed in 1965.

Since 2004, the city has absorbed at least $42 million in unpaid lunch fees.

Around her the city was absorbing the blue tinge of early evening.

"If they would open up all the streets to vendors, the city could absorb us."

The city has absorbed various layoffs and managed, essentially, to break even in a bad year.

The city will just absorb them, like any other storm.

The city would absorb the cost, $261 million a year.