Synonyms of dependent

dependent 1 of 2

adjective

di-ˈpen-dənt 

1

as in dangling

extending freely from a support from above

the dependent willow branches swayed in the gentle breeze

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dangling
• hanging
• suspended
• pendent
• sagging
• pendulous
• flagging
• wilting
• drooping
• lolling

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

• conditional
• tentative
• subject (to)
• contingent (on or upon)
• limited
• liable
• restricted
• susceptible
• uncertain
• qualified
• modified
• problematic
• debatable
• questionable
• doubtful
• open
• suspect
• shaky
• iffy
• disputable
• shady
• doubtable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• independent
• unconditional
• total
• perfect
• complete
• ultimate
• simple
• absolute
• unconditional
• basic
• categorical
• primary
• unqualified
• outright
• fundamental
• unequivocal
• utter
• consummate
• basal
• unmitigated
• unadulterated
• unalloyed
• out-and-out
• all-out
• arrant

dependent

2 of 2

noun

as in parasite

Related Words

• parasite
• leech
• free rider
• sponge
• freeloader
• satellite
• sponger
• moocher
• lackey
• toady
• sycophant
• hanger-on
• henchman
• miser
• bloodsucker
• stooge
• skinflint
• cheapskate
• tightwad
• flunky
• idler
• yes-man
• deadbeat
• piker
• scrooge

Dissimilar Words

• supporter
• benefactor
• philanthropist

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of dependent

Adjective

Six weeks went by like six months, with most of that time on the living room couch, unable to make it up the stairs to his bedroom, dependent on his very pregnant wife, Sydney, who was supposed to be dependent on him. — Dan Pompei, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Providing a patient with additional vials of antivenom is dependent on several factors, which include the swelling of the bite area, the patient’s pain level and blood work results, Vohra said. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026

Noun

Meanwhile, the standard annual pass for current members of the military and their dependents shows a photo of Trump from behind, his arm raised in salute. — Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2026

Today, nearly 430,000 veterans and their eligible dependents are buried at Arlington National Cemetery. — Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 22 May 2026