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

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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
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 Unlike many other leeches, this new aquatic species does not feed on blood, but rather worms and insect larvae, according to researchers. Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 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 See All Example Sentences for leech
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leech
Noun
  • The benzoquinones in those secretions are pungent to parasites and mosquitoes, and lemurs sometimes also ingest small amounts, suggesting a mix of topical repellent and internal deworming.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025
  • As depicted here, Gacy is a parasite latched onto a failing society.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 15 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

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Cite this Entry

“Leech.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leech. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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