PARASITE Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'parasite' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of parasite are leech , sponge , sycophant , and toady . While all these words 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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'leech' instead of 'parasite'?

While the synonyms leech and parasite are close in meaning, leech stresses persistence in clinging to or bleeding another for one's own advantage. // a leech living off his family and friends

Q: When is 'sponge' a more appropriate choice than 'parasite'?

The synonyms sponge and parasite are sometimes interchangeable, but sponge stresses the parasitic laziness, dependence, and opportunism of the cadger. // a shiftless sponge , always looking for a handout

Q: When would 'sycophant' be a good substitute for 'parasite'?

The words sycophant and parasite are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sycophant adds to this a strong suggestion of fawning, flattery, or adulation. // a powerful prince surrounded by sycophants

Q: In what contexts can 'toady' take the place of 'parasite'?

The meanings of toady and parasite largely overlap; however, toady emphasizes the servility and snobbery of the self-seeker. // cultivated leaders of society and became their toady

parasite

noun

ˈper-ə-ˌsīt

Definition of parasite next

as in leech

a person who is supported by or seeks support from another without making an adequate return a parasite who lived in the family's basement and refused to get a job or pay rent

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun parasite differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of parasite are leech, sponge, sycophant, and toady. While all these words 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

When is it sensible to use leech instead of parasite?

While the synonyms leech and parasite are close in meaning, leech stresses persistence in clinging to or bleeding another for one's own advantage.

a leech living off his family and friends

When is sponge a more appropriate choice than parasite?

The synonyms sponge and parasite are sometimes interchangeable, but sponge stresses the parasitic laziness, dependence, and opportunism of the cadger.

a shiftless sponge, always looking for a handout

When would sycophant be a good substitute for parasite?

The words sycophant and parasite are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sycophant adds to this a strong suggestion of fawning, flattery, or adulation.

a powerful prince surrounded by sycophants

In what contexts can toady take the place of parasite?

The meanings of toady and parasite largely overlap; however, toady emphasizes the servility and snobbery of the self-seeker.

cultivated leaders of society and became their toady

Examples 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 parasite One of the reasons for that is the stunning work from Naomi Scott as a pop singer who’s terrorized by what is basically an emotional parasite, a supernatural force that feeds on fear, trauma, anxiety, and mental illness. —

Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024 Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, which typically infects warm-blooded animals, according to the CDC. —

Nina Turner, Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2024 He gets injured in a battle at the school involving alien parasites. —

James Mercadante, EW.com, 28 Oct. 2024 Mind-controlling parasites are not new to the animal world, but what makes E. muscae stand out is how effectively the fungus spreads in its vicinity. —

Scott Travers, Forbes, 24 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for parasite

Recent Examples of Synonyms for parasite

Noun

Roving like hungry jackals, smallmouth bass will move down and along drop-offs, hunting for the holdout crayfish, leeches, and insects along their way.

Kubie Brown, Outdoor Life, 3 Oct. 2024
The leeches in both videos belong to a species called Chtonobdella fallax.

Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 June 2024