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leech

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

noun

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Synonyms & Antonyms of leech

(Entry 1 of 2)

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 for leech

Words Related to leech

dependent

Near Antonyms for leech

leech

verb

Synonyms of leech (Entry 2 of 2)

as in use, mooch

Synonyms & Near Synonyms for leech

exploit,
use

Frequently Asked Questions About leech

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