MUTUALISTIC Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

mutualistic

adjective

as in symbiotic

Related Words

Relevance

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 mutualistic By comparing interspecies cooperation with communication systems found within species and in other mutualistic relationships, the authors provide a broader framework for understanding how cooperation emerges and persists. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 20 June 2026 This suggests that the mutualistic relationship is obligatory for the host but facultative for the endosymbiont (see also coral bleaching). — Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 June 2026 Emily Yeager, the lead author of the study, told USA TODAY in an interview that the symbiotic relationship between remoras and their hosts had been considered either mutualistic, where both species benefit or commensal, where one benefits without affecting the other. — James Powel, USA Today, 14 May 2026 Corals, too, have a mutualistic relationship with some seagrasses. — David George Haskell, Big Think, 27 Mar. 2026 Reciprocity sustains mutualistic exchange. — Scott Hutcheson, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mutualistic

Adjective

As the fungus grows, the benefits of a symbiotic relationship are reaped at the tree’s expense.

— Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Andrews says the company has a symbiotic relationship with TikTok and other social media platforms.

— Megan Vick, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of symbiotic

Adjective

This is very useful for a practice called commensal SETI, whereby a SETI instrument piggybacks on a radio telescope's usual day-to-day observations.

— Keith Cooper, Space.com, 4 Aug. 2026
For example, cleaning stations are mutualistic while hitchhiking is commensal.

— Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 2 Feb. 2026

Definition of commensal

Adjective

South Korea’s substantial investment in and trade with China grows, while North Korea remains a costly dependent, though ideologically important.

— Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026
Despite their importance, the US is dependent on foreign supply chains, importing 25 percent of its finished steel and over 90 percent of its high-purity iron, primarily from China.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of dependent

Adjective

Abada said the ingredients appear to work through different mechanisms, so their effects are likely additive rather than synergistic.

— Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 10 Aug. 2026
Widely considered the gold standard of vitamin C serums, SkinCeuticals’ CE Ferulic serum melds 15 percent L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) with ferulic acid for synergistic antioxidant support.

— Jenny Berg, Vogue, 31 July 2026

Definition of synergistic

Browse Nearby Words

mutualisms

mutualistic

mutuality

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Mutualistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mutualistic. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of mutualistic

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

rigmarole

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes