dangling 1 of 2

adjective

as in hanging
extending freely from a support from above there was a dangling banner in one corner of the room

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dangling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of dangle
as in swinging
to place on an elevated point without support from below he dangled the string in front of the cat, hoping that it was in the mood for play

Synonyms & Similar 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 dangling
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 While the design here is emphatically traditional, a dose of modern whimsy comes through with a dangling, multi-floor chandelier loosely inspired by jellyfish. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2026 Cernan, the junior pilot, was outside, dangling—actually spinning, tumbling, and flailing—at the end of a long umbilical cord, completely unable to control his movements. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 11 Nov. 2025 Naru aside, Killer of Killers and Badlands have left a few dangling story threads. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
In Angel’s trumpet (2026), a figure sits on the ground, roots dangling from her knees. — Tatiane De Assis, ARTnews.com, 21 Oct. 2026 Was Bison always going to be left dangling for potential follow-ups? — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026 First responders say the car crashed into the home on Glen Road and was dangling over an alleyway about 10 feet in the air. — Tammy Mutasa, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026 Think tombstones, solid skeletons, signs or other decorations that hold their shape and don’t have loose or dangling parts. — Katie Koschalk, Scientific American, 16 Oct. 2026 Edebiri’s dangling earrings also provided a welcome pop of color, with their wine-hue complementing her berry lipstick. — Bianca Betancourt, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026 The structure is raw concrete punctuated by oxidized metal, dangling chains, rebar and scaffolding. — Tim Hornyak, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2026 Amaranth added long, dangling shapes, while dahlias brought deep maroon, plum and magenta tones. — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2026 Okay, maybe they won't be entirely convinced, but this ridiculous costume, with its dangling inflatable 'legs', will get you plenty of laughs and attention. — Chris McMullen, Space.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dangling
hanging
Adjective
  • The set of three miniature lights each features a vintage hanging-lantern design that looks straight out of a storybook and casts a warm gold glow across your collection.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Opt for bigger hanging bulbs, discrete flickers, or even hanging sheaths.
    — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2026
Definition of hanging

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Cite this Entry

“Dangling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dangling. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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