HANGER-ON Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

hanger-on

noun

ˈhaŋ-ər-ˌȯn

Definition of hanger-on

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

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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 hanger-on 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 A number of presences, including Hunter Schafer‘s busybody assistant and Kaia Gerber’s entourage hanger-on, flit about on the periphery while the leads conversationally duke it out. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 14 Apr. 2026 The world has gotten a glimpse of the fawning, skeezy shamelessness of his famous hangers-on, but not enough to criminally implicate them. — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hanger-on

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hanger-on

Noun

The disease is caused by a parasite that contaminates fresh produce and can cause days of watery, sometimes explosive diarrhea.

— Kendall Staton, Washington Post, 17 July 2026
Bags on nerds Gummy Clusters, croutons and cheese (hold the lettuce), gas station food, ice cream for breakfast, and an Arby’s angus cheesesteak stuffed with macaroni and cheese could all serve as protective fare against the parasite.

— Nikki McCann Ramirez, Rolling Stone, 16 July 2026

Definition of parasite

Noun

Extreme rainfall events like this are becoming more common as planet-warming pollution drives temperatures higher, because warmer air holds more moisture – which storms can then wring out like a water-laden sponge in heavy, localized downpours.

— Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
Clean the interior of the metal bottle daily with an Owala brush or a soft sponge brush, using warm soapy water.

— Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2026

Definition of sponge

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hangdog

hanger-on

hangers-on

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“Hanger-on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hanger-on. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of hanger-on

noun

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