Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

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

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up parasite? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

biannual

occurring twice a year or every two years

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. Spartan Red Cross Warns of Shelter Conditions

  2. hirsute RIP Burt Reynolds

  3. op-ed NYT Publishes Anonymous Piece

  4. collegiality Kavanaugh Mentions Word in Hearing

  5. mistrial Manafort Guilty on 8 Counts

SEE ALL

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games