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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Recent Examples of hanger-on
That transition is likely one of the reasons Welch spent the night surrounded by people eager to get a word in—though the rangy scribe was often seen looking over the heads of his hangers-on, trying to catch the eye of his tween nephew, who noted that this was his first-ever fashion show.
—
Eve Batey, Vanity Fair, 7 Feb. 2026
No pop artist has ever survived haters, handlers and hangers-on without a scratch.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
In one of its most demanding assignments of recent memory, the San Francisco Opera Chorus led by John Keene embodies one population after another — monkeys, undersea dwellers, gods and heavenly hangers-on — and does it with power and cogency.
—Joshua Kosman, San Francisco Chronicle, 15 Nov. 2025
Meynecke said his footage suggested the whales found their hangers-on annoying.
—CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hanger-on
Eve Batey, Vanity Fair, 7 Feb. 2026
No pop artist has ever survived haters, handlers and hangers-on without a scratch.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
In one of its most demanding assignments of recent memory, the San Francisco Opera Chorus led by John Keene embodies one population after another — monkeys, undersea dwellers, gods and heavenly hangers-on — and does it with power and cogency.
—Joshua Kosman, San Francisco Chronicle, 15 Nov. 2025
Meynecke said his footage suggested the whales found their hangers-on annoying.
—CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hanger-on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hanger-on
Noun
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While viral infections are the most common cause in the United States, bacteria, parasites and fungi can also cause the condition.—
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
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The Florida Museum of Natural History notes that the pythons have also introduced harmful non-native parasites to Florida and reduced medium-sized mammal populations by more than 90%, significantly changing the Everglades ecosystem.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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When the newlyweds arrive home, they are attacked by Naz and his henchman (played by Matt Willig).—
Allison DeGrushe,
StyleCaster,
27 Apr. 2026
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Key witnesses in the government’s case included Spann’s top henchmen, who cooperated with prosecutors in hopes for leniency.—
Jason Meisner,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
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And for dessert, a grand opera cake, which the program describes as having espresso cream, almond sponge and buttercream chocolate ganache.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2026
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Four straw brushes, a sponge brush and a nylon brush designed for especially tricky beer and wine bottles differentiate this kit from competing sets.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hanger-on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hanger-on. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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