BOTTOM-FEEDER Synonyms: 16 Similar and Opposite Words

bottom-feeder

noun

ˈbä-təm-ˌfē-dər

Definition of bottom-feeder

as in opportunist

one who does things only for his own benefit and with little regard for right and wrong that bottom-feeder would run over his own mother if it would help him get ahead in his career

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

altruist

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 bottom-feeder Games against real teams will reveal far more about the Magic’s mindset than any blowout over a bottom-feeder. — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2026 The Mavs dwell among the Western Conference’s bottom-feeders, but no team in either conference presents the sheer volume of storylines as the outfit from Texas’ largest city. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 24 Dec. 2025 For nearly the first two decades of their existence, the New Orleans Saints were NFL bottom-feeders. — Jim Reineking, USA Today, 11 Dec. 2025 Chicago is currently mired in a miserable seven-game losing streak, a confounding skid that includes defeats against NBA bottom-feeders like the New Orleans Pelicans, Charlotte Hornets, Indiana Pacers, and Brooklyn Nets. — Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bottom-feeder

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bottom-feeder

Noun

In contrast to the gorgeous monochrome visuals, this is a land that stinks of complicity and delusion — of opportunists desperate to scramble onto the right side of history.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
As a result, critics have likened Achilles to a carpetbagger, and called him a political opportunist who failed to fulfill his commitment to voters.

— Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of opportunist

Noun

Eleven people remain missing after an 89-hour search; several survivors suffered injuries consistent with shark bites.

— Jaimie Ding, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
While authorities have stressed the need to get Bukangi out to sea quickly, Kim said patience will be key, giving the shark time to adjust to the waters beyond the canal before venturing farther out.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of shark

Browse Nearby Words

bottom

bottom-feeder

bottom-feeders

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Bottom-feeder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bottom-feeder. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of bottom-feeder

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

grotesque

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

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

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

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes