Synonyms of hanger-on

hanger-on

noun

ˈhaŋ-ər-ˌȯn 

as in parasite

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

almost overnight, the singer was a star, and almost overnight, he was surrounded by hangers-on who wanted something

Synonyms & Similar Words

• parasite
• henchman
• sponge
• freeloader
• sponger
• leech
• dependent
• moocher
• free rider
• bloodsucker
• flunkey
• sycophant
• lackey
• miser
• deadbeat
• idler
• flunkie
• toady
• satellite
• flunky
• stooge
• cheapskate
• yes-man
• skinflint
• piker
• tightwad
• niggard
• scrooge

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• supporter
• benefactor
• philanthropist

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of hanger-on

The party guests—the artist-honorees and their partners, collectors, museum trustees, funders, and hangers-on—were clad in their finest evening attire, clinking champagne flutes and posing for pictures at a pre-dinner reception on The Shed’s fourth floor. —Helen Holmes, ARTnews.com, 19 Nov. 2024

Unlike other, sycophantic portions of right-wing media, Kirk isn’t simply a hanger-on to the conservative elite. —Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024

Meanwhile, Oz regroups at Eve’s place with Vic, the Maroni kid, and the feeble few hangers-on from the Falcone crew. —Andy Andersen, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2024

Bouncing back In short, the good economic news is real, whatever Trump and his hangers-on may say. —Paul Krugman, The Mercury News, 10 Oct. 2024