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parasite

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of parasite

a person who is supported by or seeks support from another without making an adequate return

  • a parasite who lived in the familyʼs basement and refused to get a job or pay rent
Synonyms of parasite

bloodsucker, free rider, freeloader, hanger-on, leech, moocher, sponge, sponger
Words Related to parasite

dependent

deadbeat, idler

flunky (also flunkey), henchman, lackey, satellite, stooge, sycophant, toady, yes-man

cheapskate, miser, niggard, piker, scrooge, skinflint, tightwad
Near Antonyms of parasite

benefactor, philanthropist, supporter

Synonym Discussion of parasite

parasite, sycophant, toady, leech, sponge 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
sycophant adds to this a strong suggestion of fawning, flattery, or adulation.
    • a powerful prince surrounded by sycophants
toady emphasizes the servility and snobbery of the self-seeker.
    • cultivated leaders of society and became their toady
leech stresses persistence in clinging to or bleeding another for one's own advantage.
    • a leech living off his family and friends
sponge stresses the parasitic laziness, dependence, and opportunism of the cadger.
    • a shiftless sponge, always looking for a handout

Learn More about parasite

  1. See words that rhyme with parasite Dictionary: Definition of parasite Medical Dictionary: Definition of parasite Spanish Central: Translation of parasite Nglish: Translation of parasite for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of parasite for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about parasite

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