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
Trent Thompson, 58, of Florence, Alabama, says the recent hangings and deaths of Black people led to talk in the Black community about the death this summer of Nolan Xavier Wells. — ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026 For example, the Ostand case creates a quick filming stand, a hands-free hanging point, and a magnetic connection for compatible accessories. — New Atlas, 14 Sep. 2026
Verb
Enjoy eggs cooked to order, fry-ups, or lighter continental fare under a glass roof, hanging plants, and basket pendant lights. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 Given an existing relationship with your community bank, those deposits held elsewhere represent the lowest-hanging fruit within reach. — Brian Reilly, Forbes.com, 6 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
  • 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
  • Allen is a solid downhill, change-of-pace runner who can be used in short-yardage situations.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of downhill
Verb
  • Working on the Emmy-winning Hulu/FX series has been a full-circle moment for the onetime pizza delivery driver (in his hometown of Rochester, New York) whose first tattoo was inspired by his slice-slinging life.
    — Danielle Directo-Meston, HollywoodReporter, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Following the win, Smart bolted straight for the visitors section, slinging his visor around in the air while the Georgia fans and Kirby's wife waited to embrace his family.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of slinging
Verb
  • The cuts will affect some, but not all, suppliers’ October production volumes, depending on their lead times.
    — Fernanda Tronco, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Their presence may pose a risk depending on the amount consumed and the age and body weight of the person using the product.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of depending
Verb
  • Signs of a stroke include a sudden intense headache, confusion, trouble speaking, loss of balance, face drooping, sudden blurred vision and more.
    — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
  • And in a succession of 11 guys (many sporting a striking smoky eye), the jackets were worn sliding down the body, half drooping off the torso, with one shoulder covered and the other exposed.
    — Max Berlinger, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of drooping
Verb
  • Geneva, with 405, is hovering just outside the qualifying number in ninth place.
    — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The Chemosphere, John Lautner’s modernist UFO hovering above Hollywood Hills.
    — Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of hovering
Verb
  • Godshalk also recommends choosing basing flowers to add complementary texture and color to the parallel plant material.
    — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota currently leads the B-21 basing effort.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hanging

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hanging

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