Synonyms of hanger-on

hanger-on

noun

ˈhaŋ-ər-ˌȯn 

as in parasite

a person who is supported by or seeks support from another without making an adequate return

almost overnight, the singer was a star, and almost overnight, he was surrounded by hangers-on who wanted something

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• supporter
• benefactor
• philanthropist

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of hanger-on

Decades after Julian’s vanishing there, the band and various hangers-on recall eerie incidents both in and out of the house—rooms full of occult literature; pub full of haunting photographs—as well as the glimmering stranger circling the Orpheus-esque Julian. — Literary Hub, 2 June 2026

Tiny hangers-on are tucked into pockets and cavort in crevices. — Jeremy Lybarger, Artforum, 2 June 2026

Most of the remaining hangers-on were staging going-out-of-business sales. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026

The book orbits around an art scandal that pulls in collectors, curators, philosophers and hangers-on. — CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026