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
• dependent
• freeloader
• henchman
• bloodsucker
• moocher
• free rider
• hanger-on
• miser
• deadbeat
• idler
• sycophant
• toady
• satellite
• lackey
• cheapskate
• skinflint
• tightwad
• 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

Noun

Dysmenorrhea might be treated by placing leeches on the abdomen to increase blood loss. —Literary Hub, 11 Mar. 2026

In an effort to save Cathy, doctors place leeches over her body in hopes of removing the bad blood. —Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026

Verb

Most American personnel and weapons are devoted to defending the gaggle of nominal allies around the world that have leeched off of the U.S. for years, and often decades. —Doug Bandow, Washington Post, 16 Jan. 2026

Like a parasite, the goal seems to be to walk a fine line to leech off of business owners without completely killing the host. —Adam Summers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Oct. 2025