hanging 1 of 3

hanging

2 of 3

noun

hanging

3 of 3

verb

present participle of hang
1
2
as in depending
to be determined by, based on, or subject (to) our plan to go to the amusement park has all been worked out; now it just hangs on the weather

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in drooping
to be limp from lack of water or vigor as they neared the end of the long, hard march all but the most hardy were hanging, and some could barely put one foot in front of the other

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
as in hovering
to rest or move along the surface of a liquid or in the air hanging just above the horizon was a little pink cloud

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

5
as in basing
to find a basis that's very slim evidence upon which to hang a theory

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 hanging
Adjective
Believe it or not, many modern garment bags come with extra storage features for things like laptops, shoes, and non-hanging clothes. Hillary Maglin, Travel + Leisure, 6 May 2022 One such trip for Buttigieg happens to be to New Hampshire Monday to do two hanging-curveball events—one on expanding commuter rail, the other on money in the infrastructure bill to improve the Manchester mill yard. Daniel Strauss, The New Republic, 13 Dec. 2021
Noun
Subtle bits of faux wheat give it additional texture, and there’s an attached loop in the back for easy hanging. Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025 Protests broke out in several cities, including a hanging of the billionaire in effigy in Milan and posters in London likening him to a Nazi. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2025
Verb
After the catch from Mahomes was intercepted by the Eagles' defense in the fourth, Kelce was seen hanging his head and pacing the sidelines. Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025 The gems do just enough to keep the top decent, with a few hanging pieces across her bellybutton. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 14 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hanging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hanging
Noun
  • Gateway is designed for hammering fast laps, with a gravel road climbing to the top of a ridge that provides access to the downhill singletrack.
    Graham Averill, Outside, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Sanders took the approach of a speedy downhill runner compared to Jordan’s meandering style and also caught a short pass from Maiava and ran it in 74 yards for a touchdown and returned punts for USC in the second quarter.
    Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 31 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Dozens more covered the slope, doubled over with their buds dangling, about to burst.
    Dana Goodyear, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
  • The bralette also featured a row of chains beneath the cups, with dangling pearls that created a teardrop effect down the row of chains.
    Starr Bowenbank, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • There are multiple ways to use the Hair Steamer, depending on your hair and preferences.
    Megan McIntyre, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The timing and intensity of peak foliage vary from year to year, depending on several factors, such as drought conditions, rainfall, temperature, soil content, and the types of trees, as well as cloud cover.
    Kyle Reiman, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Deeper down the road the slap of the drooping tropical tree branches against the windshield are like punishing whacks to the face for trying to force a metaphor.
    Matt Negrin, Rolling Stone, 20 Sep. 2025
  • The drooping blooms of summer snowflake (Leucojum aestivum) appear in mid- to late-spring, around April to May.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In contrast, Rivian (65 days), Ford (62 days), and GMC (58 days) had the highest levels, each hovering around a two-month supply.
    Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Lacob expects everything to reflect a championship pedigree, and the Valkyries work with that Warriors’ aura hovering over them.
    Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Nwodim co-wrote that one too, basing it loosely on her own experiences.
    Jesse Hassenger, Vulture, 12 Sep. 2025
  • This is a warmonger that is basing his policy decisions around the region on narcissism and political ambitions that don't go beyond staying in power for no more than one month.
    Leila Fadel, NPR, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • James O’Donoghue, a planetary scientist with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, likened our planet’s tilting phenomenon to a nodding head.
    Aylin Woodward, WSJ, 21 Dec. 2021
Noun
  • As your celestial ruler, Venus, takes a dip in your sleepy 12th house of resting, retreating and surrendering to the ebb and flow of your spirit, you’re encouraged to slow down.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
  • When optimism dominates, leaders explain these away as temporary dips rather than indicators of deeper issues.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hanging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hanging. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on hanging

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!