HANGER-ON Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

hanger-on

noun

ˈhaŋ-ər-ˌȯn

Definition of hanger-on

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

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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 hanger-on Decades after Julian’s vanishing there, the band and various hangers-on recall eerie incidents both in and out of the house—rooms full of occult literature; pub full of haunting photographs—as well as the glimmering stranger circling the Orpheus-esque Julian. — Literary Hub, 2 June 2026 Tiny hangers-on are tucked into pockets and cavort in crevices. — Jeremy Lybarger, Artforum, 2 June 2026 Most of the remaining hangers-on were staging going-out-of-business sales. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026 The book orbits around an art scandal that pulls in collectors, curators, philosophers and hangers-on. — CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hanger-on

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hanger-on

Noun

The couple revealed exclusively to PEOPLE that their new rescue pup — whose name may or may not be Javi — is undergoing treatment for a parasite, delaying his arrival at their New York City home.

— Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2026
The Cockroach movement began as an online satirical campaign this summer after India’s chief justice compared unemployed young people to parasites.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of parasite

Noun

Crosby can… um… provide funny reaction shots when henchmen get killed!

— David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 8 Oct. 2026
That may prove a moot point as Zelda was later seen giving her henchman, who had located the sisters, instructions to go as high as needed to secure their shares.

— Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of henchman

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hangdog

hanger-on

hangers-on

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“Hanger-on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hanger-on. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of hanger-on

noun

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