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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

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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 Northeast will likely not see much relief because the region is more dependent on imports, the analyst said. — Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026 The Himalayan region is vital to national economies, with agriculture, industry, tourism and domestic use all dependent upon it. — ABC News, 22 Sep. 2026
Noun
The levy, which took effect July 1, ranges from $325 to $725 for each employee and their dependent. — Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 23 July 2026 Evidence of similar injuries was found on another 18-year-old dependent in the couple’s care, resulting in additional misdemeanor assault charges, officials said. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 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 researchers then defined a conditional quantum state, representing information available after restricting attention to a particular event.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026
  • But because no formal contract amendment has been negotiated to date and none is likely to be done until after the November elections, Lamont’s pledge is conditional on winning reelection this fall.
    — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of conditional
Noun
  • Analyzing mosquito waste showed the presence of viruses along with other parasites.
    — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Under this theory, organisms figured out how to turn genes off to get these unruly genetic parasites under control.
    — Jake Buehler, Quanta Magazine, 21 Sep. 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
  • Doumanian disputed the judge’s tentative finding that there was insufficient evidence Avila had suffered permanent nerve damage.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The city of Fort Worth and the union representing its firefighters have reached a tentative agreement on a contract after a months-long bargaining process.
    — Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of tentative
Noun
  • Yes, tap water is lower in microplastics than most bottled water, but bottling that tap water in plastic means microplastics leech into it.
    — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Aug. 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
  • Use a non-abrasive scrubbing sponge or a microfiber cloth to remove all the loosened debris.
    — Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Erika La'Pearl, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles, recommends bouncing a damp sponge over the product, while Meyers uses her ring finger to gently tap it into place for a softer finish.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 Sep. 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 27 Sep. 2026.

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