COMMENSAL Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

commensal

adjective

Definition of commensal

as in mutualistic

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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 For example, cleaning stations are mutualistic while hitchhiking is commensal. — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 2 Feb. 2026 This represents a prey pathway in the domestication process in addition to a commensal one. — 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 In commensal domestication, however, humans unintentionally create an environment that attracts the animal. — Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2016

Recent Examples of Synonyms for commensal

Adjective

By comparing interspecies cooperation with communication systems found within species and in other mutualistic relationships, the authors provide a broader framework for understanding how cooperation emerges and persists.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 20 June 2026
This suggests that the mutualistic relationship is obligatory for the host but facultative for the endosymbiont (see also coral bleaching).

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 June 2026

Definition of mutualistic

Adjective

Diametrically across her on the opposite wall and in a disorienting symbiotic echo is a drawing of legendary football player Pelé.

— Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 24 July 2026
There’s a symbiotic — and sometimes frustrating — relationship between social media sites and the creators that depend on them.

— Mia Sato, The Verge, 21 July 2026

Definition of symbiotic

Adjective

Tightly integrated to work only with Tesla electric vehicles, the DC fast-charging experience for Tesla customers was painless in ways that EV drivers dependent on CCS1 chargers operated by a patchwork of networks could only dream of.

— Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 5 Aug. 2026
African soccer is more dependent on the money distributed by FIFA than other continents.

— David Close, CNN Money, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of dependent

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commends

commensal

commensurable

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“Commensal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/commensal. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of commensal

adjective

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