as in swinging
to place on an elevated point without support from below
he dangled the string in front of the cat, hoping that it was in the mood for play
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dangling
Tori Latham, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2026
Cernan, the junior pilot, was outside, dangling—actually spinning, tumbling, and flailing—at the end of a long umbilical cord, completely unable to control his movements.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 11 Nov. 2025
Naru aside, Killer of Killers and Badlands have left a few dangling story threads.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 4 Nov. 2025
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2026
The mighty tortoise, its feet dangling, didn't seem to mind much.
—Alina Hartounian, NPR, 18 May 2026
The Wild made a pitch for Thomas at the deadline, per league sources, dangling Wallstedt and Yurov as part of a package.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 15 May 2026
These are a hanging basket favorite, as the elegant, dangling flowers really catch the eye when looked at from below.
—Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 14 May 2026
Catalina Sanchez, a publicist and Cantu's partner, was on the ground and captured footage of the men dangling in the air.
—Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026
Tucker’s rapid-fire delivery is punctuated with sound effects, music cues, and the use of a variety of props dangling from his person at all times (including handcuffs, a wad of cash, and two guns).
—Malina Saval, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
The subsequent investigation revealed that the dangling object Estabrook spotted before flagging down the bus was the broken compressor belt.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2026
Avoid long dangling earrings that touch your shoulder or necklaces with many fixtures or clasps.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2026
Adjective
While the design here is emphatically traditional, a dose of modern whimsy comes through with a dangling, multi-floor chandelier loosely inspired by jellyfish.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2026
Cernan, the junior pilot, was outside, dangling—actually spinning, tumbling, and flailing—at the end of a long umbilical cord, completely unable to control his movements.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 11 Nov. 2025
Naru aside, Killer of Killers and Badlands have left a few dangling story threads.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
For families The secret bird nest hideaways, shallow pool, and swing loungers dangling from trees make this a playground for all ages.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2026
The mighty tortoise, its feet dangling, didn't seem to mind much.
—Alina Hartounian, NPR, 18 May 2026
The Wild made a pitch for Thomas at the deadline, per league sources, dangling Wallstedt and Yurov as part of a package.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 15 May 2026
These are a hanging basket favorite, as the elegant, dangling flowers really catch the eye when looked at from below.
—Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 14 May 2026
Catalina Sanchez, a publicist and Cantu's partner, was on the ground and captured footage of the men dangling in the air.
—Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026
Tucker’s rapid-fire delivery is punctuated with sound effects, music cues, and the use of a variety of props dangling from his person at all times (including handcuffs, a wad of cash, and two guns).
—Malina Saval, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
The subsequent investigation revealed that the dangling object Estabrook spotted before flagging down the bus was the broken compressor belt.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2026
Avoid long dangling earrings that touch your shoulder or necklaces with many fixtures or clasps.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dangling
hanging
Adjective
-
Opt for bigger hanging bulbs, discrete flickers, or even hanging sheaths.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
3 Apr. 2026
-
To maintain the immersive illusion, Iñárritu eschewed traditional hanging fabric.—
Robert Lang,
Deadline,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dangling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dangling. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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