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

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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

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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
The best autumn colors appear in October, according to The Butchart Gardens’ website, but exactly when in the month is weather-dependent. — Jeanne Bonner, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2026 Of course, better models cost more, and once people become dependent on high-quality models, maintaining that level of quality turns into a tangible expenditure item. — Arthur Azizov, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Noun
The levy, which took effect July 1, ranges from $325 to $725 for each employee and their dependent. — Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 23 July 2026 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 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
  • Its Office of Strategic Capital has signed a conditional loan commitment worth $150 million with PsiQuantum, and the funding is intended to strengthen the company’s advanced manufacturing and prototyping capabilities in the US.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Mayor Caroline Torosis said the city has cut water and parking fees, limited conditional use permits and is working with businesses to expedite services.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of conditional
Noun
  • Two samples tested positive for the parasite, cyclospora, according to the FDA.
    — Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Continue reading … BROKEN COVENANT — Javier Milei blasts UN as 'useless' den of 'fatally arrogant parasites' in raucous speech.
    — , FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of parasite
Adjective
  • The set of three miniature lights each features a vintage hanging-lantern design that looks straight out of a storybook and casts a warm gold glow across your collection.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Opt for bigger hanging bulbs, discrete flickers, or even hanging sheaths.
    — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2026
Definition of hanging
Adjective
  • The investigations into both incidents remain underway, but politicians have drawn tentative links to Tehran.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The story is set in motion when Marie-Lou meets Mari, a Japanese theater director played by Tao Okamoto, and a tentative friendship forms.
    — Elissa Suh, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of tentative
Noun
  • Yes, tap water is lower in microplastics than most bottled water, but bottling that tap water in plastic means microplastics leech into it.
    — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Aug. 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
  • Kim’s laboratory previously discovered that molten bismuth can act like a chemical sponge, cleanly capturing rare-earth elements out of liquid salts.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026
  • For instance, at what point are there enough openings in a sponge for a liquid to flow through?
    — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of sponge

Browse Nearby Words

dependency
dependent
dependents
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Cite this Entry

“Dependent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dependent. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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