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 direction of this season is entirely dependent on the performance of Florida’s quarterback. — Noah White, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026 There's an important difference between using AI effectively and becoming dependent on it. — Claire Bahn, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
Evidence of similar injuries was found on another 18-year-old dependent in the couple’s care, resulting in additional misdemeanor assault charges, officials said. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 2026 Borrowing limits for Parent PLUS are also changing Parent PLUS loans also will be capped at $20,000 a year per student, with a $65,000 lifetime limit per dependent, unless a borrower already has one of those loans. — Medora Lee, USA Today, 18 June 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 Farley Road Neighborhood Coalition (FRNC) has appealed the Los Gatos Planning Commission’s approval of the West Valley Muslim Association’s (WVMA) conditional use permit modification.
    — Farley Road Neighborhood Coalition, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The legislation outlines processes for conditional amnesties and the reintegration of thousands of Kurds, including armed combatants who have lived or operated from strongholds in neighboring Iran, Iraq, and Syria for decades.
    — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of conditional
Noun
  • In July, the US was hit with a wave of explosive diarrhea caused by an outbreak of cyclospora, a parasite that spreads through food and water tainted with human feces.
    — Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Like salmonella, the cyclospora parasite also causes nausea, as well as intense, watery diarrhea that can linger for weeks.
    — Erika Edwards, NBC news, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of parasite
Adjective
  • Opt for bigger hanging bulbs, discrete flickers, or even hanging sheaths.
    — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2026
  • To maintain the immersive illusion, Iñárritu eschewed traditional hanging fabric.
    — Robert Lang, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2026
Definition of hanging
Adjective
  • Less than 48 hours later, the district approved a tentative contract with the teachers union, promising double-digit wage increases for educators over the next two years.
    — Molly Gibbs, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The tentative budget is available for viewing online and in-person at the district’s Administrative Center, at 310 Seminary Ave.
    — Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of tentative
Noun
  • The lightning-fast process leeches out flavor and compromises textures, and can produce bland, mushy results.
    — Emily Saladino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 June 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
  • The coffin was covered with mud, and, before bringing it inside his house, Luwi cleaned it off with a bucket of water and a sponge.
    — Rachel Aviv, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Use a sponge or cloth to scrub all surfaces, paying special attention to zippers, corners, and latches where bacteria can hide.
    — Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 17 Aug. 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 22 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of dependent for Spanish Speakers

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