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
Gas storage facilities typically cover only 25% to 30% of winter consumption, leaving the remainder heavily dependent on continuous imports. — CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026 But health issues forced him to stop this summer, leaving them dependent on credit cards to pay for groceries, gas, medical and dental care, medicine and other expenses. — Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 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
  • Its Office of Strategic Capital has signed a conditional loan commitment worth $150 million with PsiQuantum, and the funding is intended to strengthen the company’s advanced manufacturing and prototyping capabilities in the US.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Mayor Caroline Torosis said the city has cut water and parking fees, limited conditional use permits and is working with businesses to expedite services.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of conditional
Noun
  • The Cockroach movement began as an online satirical campaign this summer after India’s chief justice compared unemployed young people to parasites.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026
  • If the diagnosis is correct, the parasite could result in more deaths.
    — Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of parasite
Adjective
  • The set of three miniature lights each features a vintage hanging-lantern design that looks straight out of a storybook and casts a warm gold glow across your collection.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Opt for bigger hanging bulbs, discrete flickers, or even hanging sheaths.
    — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2026
Definition of hanging
Adjective
  • The current tentative production target has been set for 2028.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The tentative ordinance second reading is scheduled for December 15, and the law would go into effect 30 days after the second reading.
    — Sooji Nam, CBS News, 16 Oct. 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
  • Meanwhile, some of the same areas that are closed to bottom trawling for the protection of coral, sponges, crab and other marine life are open to pelagic trawlers.
    — Annika Hammerschlag, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The ground will likely absorb that amount of rain like a sponge.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of sponge

Browse Nearby Words

dependency
dependent
dependents
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Cite this Entry

“Dependent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependent. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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