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

Relevance
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 programs dependent on those products continued to operate, and the whole system continued working quietly in the background. — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 8 July 2026 Some researchers have made cells dependent on a specific nutrient. — Tara Deans, The Conversation, 8 July 2026
Noun
Today, nearly 430,000 veterans and their eligible dependents are buried at Arlington National Cemetery. — Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 22 May 2026 Most changes are driven by work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents and shifts in cost-sharing between federal and state governments. — Dawn Thilmany, Forbes.com, 19 May 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  • The city gave conditional approval to the incentives on June 22, but that resolution states consent would be rescinded and voided if the city doesn’t receive funds in line with the original agreement.
    — John Marks, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2026
  • More storms may develop in the afternoon east of Interstate 35, with the threat of severe weather being conditional, the weather service said.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026
Definition of conditional
Noun
  • Infected people experience symptoms from two days to two weeks after consuming food or drinking water containing the parasite.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • Tolbert warns that food storage containers with lids should be cleaned regularly to prevent contamination from dust mites and other parasites, especially before refilling.
    — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 9 July 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
  • As the situation in the south has calmed under a tentative truce, Hamza is waiting for the animals’ owners to return and reclaim them.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
  • Warsh’s tentative first steps in the role are being scrutinized perhaps more than any Fed chair in history.
    — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 3 July 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 following foods should be washed and scrubbed thoroughly with a brush or sponge.
    — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • Available in 15 colors, the formula contains antioxidant vitamin C to prevent free radical damage, and features a convenient sponge applicator for smooth, precise application.
    — Tanya Sharma, InStyle, 4 July 2026
Definition of sponge

Browse Nearby Words

dependency
dependent
dependents
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dependent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependent. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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