parasitic

adjective

variants also parasitical
Definition of parasiticnext
as in symbiotic

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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 parasitic The new world screwworm is a parasitic fly that lays eggs in the fresh wounds of warm-blooded animals, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026 The New World screwworm, a parasitic fly eradicated from the United States in the 1960s, has resurfaced in the American Southwest. — Eva Flowe july 2, Charlotte Observer, 2 July 2026 Cyclosporiasis is a parasitic infection that causes unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms often associated with food poisoning, such as diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 2 July 2026 While bedbugs are not known to spread or transmit disease, the Environmental Protection Agency considers the parasitic insects a pest that can cause other public health issues such as allergic reactions, secondary infections and mental health impacts on those living in infested homes. — William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for parasitic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for parasitic
  1. symbiotic
  2. dependent
Adjective
  • In India, the country is obsessed with cricket and Bollywood movies, which share a symbiotic relationship that has proven to be a major obstacle in attempts to build soccer’s popularity.
    — Simon Chadwick, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Kombucha Kombucha is made by combining tea with sugar, which serves as food for the symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts (SCOBY) during fermentation.
    — Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 26 June 2026
Definition of symbiotic
Adjective
  • Some states have started to broaden these rules to allow candidates to use campaign funds for other dependent care, too, like elder care.
    — Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Car companies and their supply chains are particularly dependent on the movement of goods through USMCA and have been in the crosshairs of the administration's tariff policy.
    — Emily Chang, ABC News, 1 July 2026
Definition of dependent

Browse Nearby Words

parasites
parasitic
paratroops
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Cite this Entry

“Parasitic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/parasitic. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on parasitic

Nglish: Translation of parasitic for Spanish Speakers

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