dependent 1 of 2

adjective

di-ˈpen-dənt How to pronounce dependent (audio)
Definition of dependentnext
1
as in dangling
extending freely from a support from above the dependent willow branches swayed in the gentle breeze

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in conditional
determined by something else our going to the movies tonight is dependent on whether or not we have any money left after we eat out

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

dependent

2 of 2

noun

as in parasite

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 dependent
Adjective
Iraq Iraq, dependent on Iranian electricity and gas, has historically traded billions with Tehran. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026 The closure is weather dependent, and could possibly be delayed if conditions are not ideal. — Irene Wright, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
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 See All Example Sentences for dependent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dependent
  1. dangling
  2. conditional
  3. parasite
  4. hanging
  5. tentative
  6. leech
  7. free rider
  8. sponge
Adjective
  • Kelly wore a bright orange Roland Mouret midi dress, paired with light brown stiletto heels and matching jewelry, including multiple rings and small dangling earrings.
    — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 10 July 2026
  • The three cats quickly get distracted, though, by the dangling, bright lightbulb and string hanging above them.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 11 June 2026
Definition of dangling
Adjective
  • The agreement includes a payment of up to $18 billion, part of which is tied to conditional action by other social media giants.
    — Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Tourbineau had been seeking a lot-line adjustment, as well as a conditional use permit for mini-storage and design review.
    — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of conditional
Noun
  • Before this summer’s massive outbreak, the country had never recorded more than a few hundred infections in a single year from this parasite, which can cause watery and at times explosive diarrhea.
    — Dylan Scott, Vox, 27 Aug. 2026
  • By doing the bees' job, Carcache and Bloom hope to figure out whether the plants around the parasite are pollinated more than those further away.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of parasite
Adjective
  • Opt for bigger hanging bulbs, discrete flickers, or even hanging sheaths.
    — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2026
  • To maintain the immersive illusion, Iñárritu eschewed traditional hanging fabric.
    — Robert Lang, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2026
Definition of hanging
Adjective
  • Most of us have felt awkward during those first tentative steps back into dating.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Yet these survivors are so hard-wired to be fearful of their neighbors that Hig and Cima’s rusty, tentative flirtation takes place under the gaze of her daddy’s gun, a heck of a chaperone.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of tentative
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
  • Fruit, ginger shots, sea moss beverages, tea, and water were on hand, in alignment with her alcohol-free rider and commitment to sobriety.
    — DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 18 Mar. 2026
Definition of free rider
Noun
  • For the uninitiated, instead of a bottle or tube, these formulas are housed in a compact with a sponge saturated in foundation.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Scrub the metal grid with a dish sponge or brush to remove loosened debris.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of sponge

Browse Nearby Words

dependency
dependent
dependents
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dependent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependent. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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