as in mutualistic
Related Words
Relevance
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 commensal
This process called a commensal pathway in animal domestication occurs when the animal is attracted to human settlements, instead of humans actively trying to recruit the animals.
—
Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 11 June 2025
According to some biologists, this might show that these birds are on their way to becoming commensal with humans—benefiting from living closely alongside them—like pigeons have in urban areas.
—Jorge Garay, Wired News, 29 May 2025
Dreamtime by Simon Theuma This small, commensal shrimp almost appears to be swimming over a tapestry, but in reality, the technicolor backdrop is the body of a mosaic sea star.
—Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Jan. 2024
Science defines the rat’s relationship to humans as commensal: an association between two species in which one benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed.
—WIRED, 7 Oct. 2023
In fact, it’s become clear that many of these commensal bacteria use the glycans studding mucin molecules as a primary source of energy.
—Diana Kwon, Discover Magazine, 9 July 2019
Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 11 June 2025
According to some biologists, this might show that these birds are on their way to becoming commensal with humans—benefiting from living closely alongside them—like pigeons have in urban areas.
—Jorge Garay, Wired News, 29 May 2025
Dreamtime by Simon Theuma This small, commensal shrimp almost appears to be swimming over a tapestry, but in reality, the technicolor backdrop is the body of a mosaic sea star.
—Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Jan. 2024
Science defines the rat’s relationship to humans as commensal: an association between two species in which one benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed.
—WIRED, 7 Oct. 2023
In fact, it’s become clear that many of these commensal bacteria use the glycans studding mucin molecules as a primary source of energy.
—Diana Kwon, Discover Magazine, 9 July 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for commensal
Adjective
-
Reciprocity sustains mutualistic exchange.—
Scott Hutcheson,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Since then, says Carroll, Hollywood and the field of physics have had a kind of symbiotic relationship around wormholes.—
Katia Riddle,
NPR,
31 Dec. 2025
-
These organisms depend on symbiotic bacteria that convert toxic chemicals into energy that sustains life.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
Verify your disability rating and dependent status and review your education benefits under the Post-9/11 or Montgomery GI Bill programs.—
Bruce Helmer,
Twin Cities,
8 Nov. 2025
-
On estate planning, half of millionaires surveyed don’t use an estate lawyer, although their use is highly dependent on wealth levels.—
Robert Frank,
CNBC,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Commensal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commensal. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share