hanging 1 of 3

Definition of hangingnext

hanging

2 of 3

noun

hanging

3 of 3

verb

present participle of hang
1
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
The neutral material keeps it from looking like an eye sore and can be expanded for more hanging space as needed. Micaela Arnett, Rolling Stone, 10 Jan. 2024 Believe it or not, many modern garment bags come with extra storage features for things like laptops, shoes, and non-hanging clothes. Hillary Maglin, Travel + Leisure, 6 May 2022
Noun
Suites come with private pools and artworks such as Nafsika Keke’s photographs depicting a surrealist waterworld and Dania Kotsaki’s bespoke bamboo wall hangings. Jemima Sissons, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026 Activists warned that hangings of detainees could come soon. Dallas Morning News, 15 Jan. 2026
Verb
Reach down and grab the kettlebell with your right hand, returning to this position where your body is parallel to the floor, with the weight hanging straight down from your right shoulder. Greg Presto, Outside, 7 Jan. 2026 Hiking below the steep red cliffs surrounding Zion Canyon is truly awe-inspiring, as are the park's slot canyons, emerald-colored pools, and waterfalls with hanging gardens. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hanging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hanging
Adjective
  • Cernan, the junior pilot, was outside, dangling—actually spinning, tumbling, and flailing—at the end of a long umbilical cord, completely unable to control his movements.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Naru aside, Killer of Killers and Badlands have left a few dangling story threads.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 4 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Though there are a few downhill ski runs in the Appenzell region, the winter activity here is based around cross-country endeavors, and the Gonten high valley is one of the top spots.
    Jackie Caradonio, Travel + Leisure, 19 Jan. 2026
  • And in the downhill portion, skins are shed from underneath before athletes make a tricky descent on skis.
    Tom Kludt, Vanity Fair, 19 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Social media reaction — good or bad, depending on the performance and result — is an unreliable barometer of reality.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Broil until cheese is melted, browned, and bubbling, 3–6 minutes, depending on your oven (watch carefully).
    Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Signs of Underwatering The most obvious sign of underwatering is wilting or drooping.
    Rachel Gillett, Martha Stewart, 21 Jan. 2026
  • Its drooping branches tend to hug the tree but can sometimes spread as far as 8 feet.
    Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 20 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • In their latest public comments, Logan and Hammack have both expressed concern that this is the fifth consecutive year that inflation is hovering above the Fed’s 2% target.
    Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Clouds are expected to build again Wednesday, with highs near 21 and wind chills hovering around zero, followed by a partly cloudy and cold night with lows near 9.
    Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • When Washington comes asking for basing rights, expect polite refusals.
    Bobby Ghosh, Time, 11 Jan. 2026
  • The league is basing its figures on paying 216 players over 18 teams, accounting for three new expansion teams by 2030.
    Alex Sherman,Contessa Brewer, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2026
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
Noun
  • Millions upon millions of people are using generative AI as their ongoing advisor on mental health considerations (note that ChatGPT alone has over 900 million weekly active users, a notable proportion of which dip into mental health aspects, see my analysis at the link here).
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Cut with a floured 2¾- to 3-inch biscuit cutter; reroll scraps as necessary and dip cutter into flour between cuts.
    Jenavieve Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Hanging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hanging. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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