hanging 1 of 3

adjective

ˈhaŋ-iŋ How to pronounce hanging (audio)
Definition of hangingnext
1
as in bowing
bending downward or forward hanging branches blocked our way for a good part of the trail

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2
as in dangling
extending freely from a support from above light from a hanging chandelier filled the great hall

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hanging

2 of 3

noun

as in downhill
a downward slope with a steep hanging like that, the roofers can't be too careful

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hanging

3 of 3

verb

present participle of hang
1
as in swinging
to place on an elevated point without support from below hang your coats on the coat rack in the hall

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2
as in depending
to be determined by, based on, or subject (to) our plan to go to the amusement park has all been worked out; now it just hangs on the weather

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3
as in drooping
to be limp from lack of water or vigor as they neared the end of the long, hard march all but the most hardy were hanging, and some could barely put one foot in front of the other

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in hovering
to rest or move along the surface of a liquid or in the air hanging just above the horizon was a little pink cloud

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in basing
to find a basis that's very slim evidence upon which to hang a theory

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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 hanging
Adjective
To maintain the immersive illusion, Iñárritu eschewed traditional hanging fabric. — Robert Lang, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2026 Leaving either of those bare was a topic of discussion, Carney says; a trade-off between the goal of paying homage to Steinway’s legacy and getting enough hanging space. — Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
The forward group has far too often been leaving the D hanging. — James Mirtle, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026 Writing to James Kent, New York City’s chief municipal legal officer, two days before the hanging, Jay stressed that the authority of law should prevail visibly. — Maurizio Valsania, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026
Verb
Williams is at 8,750 yards and counting, but low-hanging Bears passing records aren’t the point. — Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026 Manage unpleasant odors with a candle or automatic air freshener, take out the trash, and make sure towels are hanging neatly. — Natalia Gonzalez Blanco Serrano, The Spruce, 3 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hanging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hanging
  1. nodding
  2. dangling
  3. downhill
  4. slinging
  5. depending
  6. drooping
  7. hovering
  8. basing
Adjective
  • James O’Donoghue, a planetary scientist with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, likened our planet’s tilting phenomenon to a nodding head.
    — Aylin Woodward, WSJ, 21 Dec. 2021
Definition of nodding
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
Noun
  • Along a steep downhill stretch of Kipling Street in Wheat Ridge, police say speeding has become a serious safety concern.
    — Karen Morfitt, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
  • He got stuffed by double-team blocks and turned away by larger Toronto wings, who manhandled the slighter forward in his attempts to create downhill momentum.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of downhill
Verb
  • Shamberger and the rest of the team spent the morning slinging bacon and pancakes in exchange for donations to the bar.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Expect to see everyone from locals clad in athleisure to camera-slinging couples in breezy linen button-downs returning from a nearby wine tasting.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of slinging
Verb
  • The insurance bill for the restaurant varies by month, depending on the claims employees file.
    — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The program would restrict the price of qualifying homes, depending on the county where someone is trying to buy.
    — Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of depending
Verb
  • With drooping eyebrows, Hollywell bids farewell and invites me to hang out again tomorrow.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The video shows a city officer responding to a chaotic scene where Belgal — sitting on the ground with his hands behind his back and head drooping to one side — was surrounded by several officials.
    — Rebecca Santana, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of drooping
Verb
  • When he’s described as cowardly in print by the ever-hovering gossip columnist Hedda Hopper (Sarah Drew, Grey’s Anatomy), Stewart follows his instincts and enlists.
    — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Bitcoin is hovering around the $80,000 mark, lifting the broader crypto space.
    — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of hovering
Verb
  • There’s the perspective of Pro Football Focus, which asserts Marshall has been as bad as any NFL cornerback could possibly be but appears to be basing that partly on incorrect data.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026
  • In 2024, the board approved an annual salary of $152,000 for Nativo, basing the amount on a formal compensation study, Hamilton said.
    — Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of basing

Browse Nearby Words

hang in
hanging
hanging about
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Cite this Entry

“Hanging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hanging. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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