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 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 See All Example Sentences for hanger-on

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hanger-on

Noun

Analyzing mosquito waste showed the presence of viruses along with other parasites.

— Devika Rao, TheWeek, 23 Sep. 2026
Under this theory, organisms figured out how to turn genes off to get these unruly genetic parasites under control.

— Jake Buehler, Quanta Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of parasite

Noun

The last of Lila and Amisha’s henchmen has fled with the remaining supply of poison aerosol, intending to detonate it, on Amisha’s orders, at a nightclub.

— Chris Klimek, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2026
After crash landing on the dark world directly onto the homing beacon, EO and his crazy crew are apprehended by a gang of warrior henchmen and hauled into the throne room to face the wicked alien ruler who is imprisoned in anger and hate.

— Jeff Spry, Space.com, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of henchman

Noun

Use a non-abrasive scrubbing sponge or a microfiber cloth to remove all the loosened debris.

— Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 19 Sep. 2026
Erika La'Pearl, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles, recommends bouncing a damp sponge over the product, while Meyers uses her ring finger to gently tap it into place for a softer finish.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of sponge

Browse Nearby Words

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 27 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of hanger-on

noun

Example Sentences

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