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 ratings, spun positively, are dependent on a good NFL lead-in. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 19 Oct. 2026 Why is access to public money so dependent on the political influence of individual legislators? — Nicholas Jacobs, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2026
Noun
The Internal Revenue Service has specific rules that determine who can be claimed as a dependent. — Nancy Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Aug. 2026 The levy, which took effect July 1, ranges from $325 to $725 for each employee and their dependent. — Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 23 July 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
  • The psychologist who examined Aguilar asked social workers at Federal Medical Center Carswell, the prison where Aguilar has been incarcerated, to put together a conditional release plan.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The fraternity was previously placed on probation, a conditional warning that included fines, following claims of hazing in July.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of conditional
Noun
  • The couple revealed exclusively to PEOPLE that their new rescue pup — whose name may or may not be Javi — is undergoing treatment for a parasite, delaying his arrival at their New York City home.
    — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The Cockroach movement began as an online satirical campaign this summer after India’s chief justice compared unemployed young people to parasites.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of parasite
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
Adjective
  • Earlier this month, the CSU reached tentative agreements with three unions.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Written in Latin, the theses were relatively tentative in tone, consisting of 95 short propositions—most just a sentence or two.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of tentative
Noun
  • Yes, tap water is lower in microplastics than most bottled water, but bottling that tap water in plastic means microplastics leech into it.
    — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Aug. 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
  • Rock stars have sponges and ammonia lying around the bathroom?
    — Blake J. Harris, Vanity Fair, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Dip a clean sponge into this solution and wipe down all the shelves and drawers in the refrigerator.
    — Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 16 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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