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 This is very useful for a practice called commensal SETI, whereby a SETI instrument piggybacks on a radio telescope's usual day-to-day observations. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 4 Aug. 2026 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

But the symbiotic essence of orchids, the key to their immense evolutionary and ecological success, remained unknown until the end of nineteenth century.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Aug. 2026
For example, authors and podcasters have a long-running symbiotic relationship.

— Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of symbiotic

Adjective

Its revenue generation is largely dependent on programmatic ads that run on the website, which generally produce between $2,000 and $5,000 per day.

— Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 26 Aug. 2026
In order to share Lee’s realm of experience, Clarke began to use heroin—inhaling, not injecting—and quickly became dependent on it.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 26 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 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of commensal

adjective

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