PARASITE Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'parasite' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of parasite are leech , sponge , sycophant , and toady . While all these words mean "a usually obsequious flatterer or self-seeker," parasite applies to one who clings to a person of wealth, power, or influence or is useless to society. // a jet-setter with an entourage of parasites

Q: When is it sensible to use 'leech' instead of 'parasite'?

While the synonyms leech and parasite are close in meaning, leech stresses persistence in clinging to or bleeding another for one's own advantage. // a leech living off his family and friends

Q: When is 'sponge' a more appropriate choice than 'parasite'?

The synonyms sponge and parasite are sometimes interchangeable, but sponge stresses the parasitic laziness, dependence, and opportunism of the cadger. // a shiftless sponge , always looking for a handout

Q: When would 'sycophant' be a good substitute for 'parasite'?

The words sycophant and parasite are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sycophant adds to this a strong suggestion of fawning, flattery, or adulation. // a powerful prince surrounded by sycophants

Q: In what contexts can 'toady' take the place of 'parasite'?

The meanings of toady and parasite largely overlap; however, toady emphasizes the servility and snobbery of the self-seeker. // cultivated leaders of society and became their toady

parasite

noun

ˈper-ə-ˌsīt

Definition of parasite next

as in leech

a person who is supported by or seeks support from another without making an adequate return a parasite who lived in the family's basement and refused to get a job or pay rent

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun parasite differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of parasite are leech, sponge, sycophant, and toady. While all these words mean "a usually obsequious flatterer or self-seeker," parasite applies to one who clings to a person of wealth, power, or influence or is useless to society.

a jet-setter with an entourage of parasites

When is it sensible to use leech instead of parasite?

While the synonyms leech and parasite are close in meaning, leech stresses persistence in clinging to or bleeding another for one's own advantage.

a leech living off his family and friends

When is sponge a more appropriate choice than parasite?

The synonyms sponge and parasite are sometimes interchangeable, but sponge stresses the parasitic laziness, dependence, and opportunism of the cadger.

a shiftless sponge, always looking for a handout

When would sycophant be a good substitute for parasite?

The words sycophant and parasite are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sycophant adds to this a strong suggestion of fawning, flattery, or adulation.

a powerful prince surrounded by sycophants

In what contexts can toady take the place of parasite?

The meanings of toady and parasite largely overlap; however, toady emphasizes the servility and snobbery of the self-seeker.

cultivated leaders of society and became their toady

Examples 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 parasite Similarly, breaching might help these animals clear their gill rakers - structures that filter out food particles from the water - of debris or parasites. —

Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024 But all three Venom movies are buddy comedies that take knowingly silly steps into romance territory as Eddie and his superpowered parasite Venom get into all sorts of antics together. —

James Grebey, TIME, 25 Oct. 2024 Quarantine will allow the zoo to reduce the risk of introducing parasites or disease to other animals. —

Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2024 Venom: The Last Dance is the conclusion to Sony’s Venom trilogy, clearly separating Tom Hardy’s Eddie Brock from his beloved parasite, but leaving the door open for Venom to return. —

Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for parasite

Recent Examples of Synonyms for parasite

Noun

This water then leeches into the water supply, tainting sources of water for entire communities.

Zinhle Essamuah, NBC News, 20 Oct. 2024
Tie a size 4 to size 2 octopus hook to the tag end of the fluro and then hook a small soft plastic baitfish or leech, such as a Tiny Fluke or a Slug-Go, through its head.

Kubie Brown, Outdoor Life, 3 Oct. 2024