Synonyms of leech

leech 1 of 2

noun

ˈlēch 

as in parasite

a person who is supported by or seeks support from another without making an adequate return

whenever the gang went out for pizza, the leech in the group always had an excuse for not paying his fair share

Synonyms & Similar Words

• parasite
• sponge
• sponger
• freeloader
• dependent
• moocher
• henchman
• bloodsucker
• hanger-on
• free rider
• miser
• flunkey
• deadbeat
• sycophant
• idler
• toady
• lackey
• satellite
• flunkie
• cheapskate
• tightwad
• skinflint
• piker
• stooge
• flunky
• yes-man
• scrooge

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• supporter
• benefactor
• philanthropist

leech

2 of 2

verb

as in to sponge

Related Words

• sponge
• freeload
• mooch
• exploit
• use
• beg

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun leech differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of leech are parasite, sponge, sycophant, and toady. While all these words mean "a usually obsequious flatterer or self-seeker," leech stresses persistence in clinging to or bleeding another for one's own advantage.

a leech living off his family and friends

When is parasite a more appropriate choice than leech?

The words parasite and leech are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, parasite applies to one who clings to a person of wealth, power, or influence or is useless to society.

a jet-setter with an entourage of parasites

When can sponge be used instead of leech?

The synonyms sponge and leech are sometimes interchangeable, but sponge stresses the parasitic laziness, dependence, and opportunism of the cadger.

a shiftless sponge, always looking for a handout

In what contexts can sycophant take the place of leech?

The words sycophant and leech can be used in similar contexts, but sycophant adds to this a strong suggestion of fawning, flattery, or adulation.

a powerful prince surrounded by sycophants

When could toady be used to replace leech?

In some situations, the words toady and leech are roughly equivalent. However, toady emphasizes the servility and snobbery of the self-seeker.

cultivated leaders of society and became their toady

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of leech

Verb

When the writer Mary Roach went to visit the Mütter offices, Hicks greeted her with one of his pet leeches hanging from his arm. —Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 23 June 2025

Visceral fat leeches fatty acids called adipokines or chemokines, which cause systemic inflammation in the body. —Andrea Muraskin, NPR, 15 June 2025

Stay close to the leaders and lifters and move away from the loafers and leeches. —Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025

The leeches hanging out of the Quarry, the setting of Ground Control, are the stuff of nightmares, writhing above the squad’s heads in overwhelming numbers. —Jason Fanelli, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2025