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
In a statement, Petrobras said that its production and exports aren’t dependent on any single geopolitical event. — Michelle Velez, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2026 Tax policy and technology have concentrated money into fewer, richer hands, more dependent on capital gains and corporate profits than wages for a day’s work. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 7 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 2028 first-round pick, which originally belonged to the Colorado Avalanche, is conditional.
    — Peter Baugh, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The news comes as the reality star was due to return to court on Tuesday, after he was granted conditional bail following a report of an alleged assault.
    — Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of conditional
Noun
  • But most of the non-coding DNA is junk—the remains of ancient viral infections, DNA-level parasites, genes that have been inactivated by mutation, and so on.
    — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 9 Sep. 2026
  • And talk to your veterinarian about a parasite prevention plan to combat fleas and other pests.
    — Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 8 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
  • The adoption of this policy came very late in the summer and after a more tentative earlier policy that mainly confused educators and parents.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026
  • But Democrats have become more tentative to speak on immigration since the Obama years.
    — Jesús Rodríguez, New Yorker, 6 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
  • The geographic features are hot spots of biodiversity, with corals, sponges and even an octopus garden, just like in the Beatles song.
    — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Ricky tries to repair Chad’s prosthetics, but starts to cry, leaving Chad to dry her tears with a makeup sponge.
    — Francesca Gariano, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 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 12 Sep. 2026.

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