leech 1 of 2

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

leech

2 of 2

verb

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

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 leech
Noun
Heather there in her glittering vintage dress while the raining confetti mixes with the snow around them, leeching into it, dying it colors. Literary Hub, 10 June 2025 While Lamont points with pride to the large surpluses achieved during his tenure, critics say these weren’t inessential funds but rather were leeched from core programs that have been dangerously undermined. Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 25 May 2025
Verb
They get thrown into this lurid serial killer manhunt of an elusive murderer who collects body parts and uses leeches for insane reasons. Randy Myers, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for leech
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leech
Noun
  • These methods sort through the DNA in a sample looking for specific genes that are signatures of parasites like pinworms, as well as bacterial pathogens.
    Veronique Greenwood, Time, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Extreme temperatures, parasites, viruses, fungi, and bacteria are also major dangers.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Also in the top with Tom is Toby, who makes a white-chocolate (gross) shell made to look like an orange with a chocolate-and-orange mousse with an Earl Grey sponge inside.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Make sure to scrub the sink faucet, handles, and any other metal fixtures with a soft brush or sponge to remove any buildup or stains.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The specter of freeloading corporations using more space, water, and energy for AI processing has defined the race for the 30th House of Delegates district, well outside DC.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The watch party is over for people who have been freeloading on their subscription to HBO Max.
    Chris Morris, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Parasites was the name given to those who arrived late to the party and mooched off the remains.
    John Mariani, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • Rachel Morin's 'bum' killer mooched off locals before murdering mom of five, lawyer says.
    FOXNews.com, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Leech.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leech. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on leech

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!