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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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
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 And, as a sign of how sentiments have shifted, a monument was erected in Massachusetts just nine years ago to mark the site of the most famous public hangings – 19 people accused of witchcraft in 1692 Salem. — The Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 14 Oct. 2026
Verb
With the timeshare cloud hanging over him and a tough matchup against the Chiefs (7th in rushing yards allowed per game), Dobbins is a very dicey FLEX for me this week. — Jonathan Rubin, Charlotte Observer, 28 Oct. 2026 At the time, it was mounted above the bar and hanging loosely on a hook, Biggins told the publication. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 27 Oct. 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
  • 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
  • Direct water toward the bed by installing a gutter extension, creating a downhill slope, digging a trench or connecting a PVC pipe to a distant gutter and running it underground to the rain garden.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of downhill
Verb
  • 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
  • This is a great combination of quarterbacks who should be slinging the ball and make for an exciting game.
    — OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 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
  • Adding to the dark mood are police helicopters hovering, with searchlights blazing, to enforce a late-night curfew in the Les Halles and République sections of Paris.
    — Michael Finnegan, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Fleetwood is 18th in the 24-team League Two, hovering just above the drop zone after winning just one of its past eight league matches.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of hovering
Verb
  • 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
  • That’s the lovely thing about basing it on a really good book.
    — Mya Copeland, Variety, 19 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 1 Nov. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hanging

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