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

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 parasite To some, these new arrivals were symptoms of rot – parasites attaching themselves to a dying host. —

Martin McKenzie-Murray, SPIN, 7 Jan. 2025 Untreated infections can turn fatal, and parasites, both internal and external, slowly deteriorate their health. —

Lucy Notarantonio, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025 May Protect Against Disease Annatto is rich in several key antimicrobial compounds, which can limit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and parasites. —

Devineé Lingo, M.s., Health, 21 Dec. 2024 Some of the parasites removed were as long as 27 centimeters (more than 10 inches), according to the South Korean doctors who treated him. —

Yoonjung Seo, CNN, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for parasite

Recent Examples of Synonyms for parasite

Noun

People are going to bail on the subscription model like a dog shaking off leeches.

— Ron Hart, SPIN, 10 Jan. 2025
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