PARASITE Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'parasite' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of parasite are leech , sponge , sycophant , and toady . While all these words mean "a usually obsequious flatterer or self-seeker," 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 is it sensible to use 'leech' instead of 'parasite'?

While the synonyms leech and parasite are close in meaning, 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 'sponge' a more appropriate choice than 'parasite'?

The synonyms sponge and parasite are sometimes interchangeable, but sponge stresses the parasitic laziness, dependence, and opportunism of the cadger. // a shiftless sponge , always looking for a handout

Q: When would 'sycophant' be a good substitute for 'parasite'?

The words sycophant and parasite are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sycophant adds to this a strong suggestion of fawning, flattery, or adulation. // a powerful prince surrounded by sycophants

Q: In what contexts can 'toady' take the place of 'parasite'?

The meanings of toady and parasite largely overlap; however, toady emphasizes the servility and snobbery of the self-seeker. // cultivated leaders of society and became their toady

parasite

noun

ˈper-ə-ˌsīt

Definition of parasite

as in leech

a person who is supported by or seeks support from another without making an adequate return a parasite who lived in the family's basement and refused to get a job or pay rent

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun parasite differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of parasite are leech, sponge, sycophant, and toady. While all these words mean "a usually obsequious flatterer or self-seeker," 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 is it sensible to use leech instead of parasite?

While the synonyms leech and parasite are close in meaning, leech stresses persistence in clinging to or bleeding another for one's own advantage.

a leech living off his family and friends

When is sponge a more appropriate choice than parasite?

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

a shiftless sponge, always looking for a handout

When would sycophant be a good substitute for parasite?

The words sycophant and parasite are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sycophant adds to this a strong suggestion of fawning, flattery, or adulation.

a powerful prince surrounded by sycophants

In what contexts can toady take the place of parasite?

The meanings of toady and parasite largely overlap; 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 parasite Tolbert says residual fat and crumbs left behind in a pet food storage container can attract dust mites and parasites over time. — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2026 Cooked food is safer than fresh produce, as heat can kill the parasite. — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 9 July 2026 Multiple states are reporting an increase in cyclosporiasis cases, an intestinal infection caused by a parasite. — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 9 July 2026 Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which can contaminate fresh produce and vegetables. — Alice Park, Time, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for parasite

Recent Examples of Synonyms for parasite

Noun

The lightning-fast process leeches out flavor and compromises textures, and can produce bland, mushy results.

— Emily Saladino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 June 2026
The fact is that leeches are relished by everything from walleyes and bass to trout and all the panfish.

— Byron W. Dalrymple, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2026

Definition of leech

Noun

The following foods should be washed and scrubbed thoroughly with a brush or sponge.

— Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 7 July 2026
Available in 15 colors, the formula contains antioxidant vitamin C to prevent free radical damage, and features a convenient sponge applicator for smooth, precise application.

— Tanya Sharma, InStyle, 4 July 2026

Definition of sponge

Noun

Evidence of similar injuries was found on another 18-year-old dependent in the couple’s care, resulting in additional misdemeanor assault charges, officials said.

— Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 2026
Borrowing limits for Parent PLUS are also changing Parent PLUS loans also will be capped at $20,000 a year per student, with a $65,000 lifetime limit per dependent, unless a borrower already has one of those loans.

— Medora Lee, USA Today, 18 June 2026

Definition of dependent

Noun

The wide-open scam enriched Haitian freeloaders as Bonheur personally netted a million bucks in just two years after Joe Biden rang the dinner bell for every grifter in the Third World.

— Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 7 July 2026
Allied participation should likewise be expanded so that deterrence is shared rather than carried by Washington alone for the benefit of freeloaders who consume Middle Eastern hydrocarbons and fertilizers.

— Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of freeloader

Noun

And so does Jesse — particularly the latest installment, which sees the iconic henchmen find themselves as accidental stars in 1920s Hollywood.

— Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
Now, Lilith must team up with Cinderella (Amanda Seyfried) to fight biker trolls, outrun evil henchmen, and escape the Screaming Woods on an epic quest to save the kingdom, but most importantly, their relationship.

— Rick Ellis, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

Definition of henchman

Articles Related to parasite

Cite this Entry

Style

“Parasite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/parasite. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of parasite

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

The Words of the Week - May 10

6 Words Whose Abstract Meanings Came...

The First Parasite

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on parasite

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

xeric

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 10

Popular

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes