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

The symbiotic relationship between art, opera and fashion anchored a conversation between Torquil McIntosh, cofounder of Sybarite; Tian Hao Jiang, founder and artistic director of the iSing!

— Denni Hu, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2026
Made by fermenting milk with kefir grains (which aren’t actually grains but rather a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts), kefir is a lightly effervescent, tart, and tangy drink teeming with probiotics.

— Olivia Tarantino, Martha Stewart, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of symbiotic

Adjective

The biggest magic trick, however, was dependent on CG technology — then very much in its infancy — making everyone believe that Sisko and co were walking the same corridors as Kirk.

— Richard Edwards, Space.com, 4 Nov. 2026
Proposition 40 divided Democratic leaders because of concerns about its impact on the state’s volatile budget that is highly dependent on the wealthy.

— Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 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 8 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of commensal

adjective

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