dependent 1 of 2

adjective

di-ˈpen-dənt How to pronounce dependent (audio)
Definition of dependentnext
1
as in dangling
extending freely from a support from above the dependent willow branches swayed in the gentle breeze

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in conditional
determined by something else our going to the movies tonight is dependent on whether or not we have any money left after we eat out

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

dependent

2 of 2

noun

as in parasite

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of dependent
Adjective
The White Sox are very homer-dependent and rank 7th in home runs. — David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026 The Iran War revealed how deeply many African energy systems remain dependent on geopolitical stability elsewhere. — Michael Adu Okyere, Time, 28 July 2026
Noun
While patterns are complex, China’s investment in South Korea grows, while North Korea remains a costly dependent of Beijing. — Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2026 Meanwhile, the standard annual pass for current members of the military and their dependents shows a photo of Trump from behind, his arm raised in salute. — Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dependent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependent
  1. dangling
  2. conditional
  3. parasite
  4. hanging
  5. tentative
  6. leech
  7. free rider
  8. sponge
Adjective
  • Kelly wore a bright orange Roland Mouret midi dress, paired with light brown stiletto heels and matching jewelry, including multiple rings and small dangling earrings.
    — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 10 July 2026
  • The three cats quickly get distracted, though, by the dangling, bright lightbulb and string hanging above them.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 11 June 2026
Definition of dangling
Adjective
  • Left-sided forwards Jamie Gittens, Alejandro Garnacho, and Morgan Rogers have joined the club — although Garnacho has now been loaned to Aston Villa with a conditional obligation to buy.
    — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Neither side expects the other to stick to its commitments, so every aspect of the roadmap is conditional.
    — Emma Nicholson, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Definition of conditional
Noun
  • So kudos to the extras who steal scenes from them in the background, flailing like avant-garde dancers when a vicious mental parasite leaps from grandmothers to joggers to security guards on a quest to find something awful.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
  • Public reaction to the cyclosporiasis outbreak A CBS News poll from July 26 that four in 10 Americans are buying or eating less produce because of the parasite.
    — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 30 July 2026
Definition of parasite
Adjective
  • Opt for bigger hanging bulbs, discrete flickers, or even hanging sheaths.
    — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2026
  • To maintain the immersive illusion, Iñárritu eschewed traditional hanging fabric.
    — Robert Lang, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2026
Definition of hanging
Adjective
  • The sound of Israeli drones is a constant backdrop in a city devastated by war, but which still shows tentative signs of residents trying to rebuild their lives here.
    — Jane Arraf, NPR, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Roy declined to disclose if a tentative agreement was reached on the technology proposal because labor negotiations are in progress.
    — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of tentative
Noun
  • The lightning-fast process leeches out flavor and compromises textures, and can produce bland, mushy results.
    — Emily Saladino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 June 2026
  • The fact is that leeches are relished by everything from walleyes and bass to trout and all the panfish.
    — Byron W. Dalrymple, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2026
Definition of leech
Noun
  • Fruit, ginger shots, sea moss beverages, tea, and water were on hand, in alignment with her alcohol-free rider and commitment to sobriety.
    — DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 18 Mar. 2026
Definition of free rider
Noun
  • Spicules are tiny needle-like structures derived from silica-rich marine sponges, corals or plants, or made synthetically, that create microscopic channels in the skin to help deliver active ingredients more deeply.
    — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 27 July 2026
  • Mist the face with a long-lasting setting spray, and gently press everything together with a sponge.
    — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 27 July 2026
Definition of sponge

Browse Nearby Words

dependency
dependent
dependents
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Cite this Entry

“Dependent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependent. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of dependent for Spanish Speakers

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