PARASITE Synonyms: 30 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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Even after the parasite was treated, Foy decided to stick to a caffeine-free life. —

Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026 People can get parasites in ways including spending time in areas with them, from contaminated food or water, or from bug bites. —

Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Feb. 2026 Many of the other dogs showed signs consistent with long-term outdoor neglect, including parasites, dental issues, and untreated medical conditions such as Giardia, fleas, and ticks. —

Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026 Instead of finding a cure, the campaign sought to break the worm's life cycle in communities suffering from the parasite —persuading millions to change their behavior. —

Dan Raby, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for parasite

Recent Examples of Synonyms for parasite

Noun

The team selected specific animal spirits – deer, buffalo, leeches, fleas, ants, and softshell turtles – which Setyanto translated into movement.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026
The leech therapist, whose name was Sandra, made a tsk-tsk sound over the phone.

— Blair Braverman, Outside, 21 Jan. 2026

Definition of leech

Articles Related to parasite

Cite this Entry

Style

“Parasite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/parasite. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 12 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of parasite

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

The Words of the Week - May 10

6 Words Whose Abstract Meanings Came...

The First Parasite

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on parasite

More from Merriam-Webster

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

vertiginous

Popular in Grammar & Usage

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

'Buck naked' or 'butt naked'?

What does 'etcetera' mean?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What’s the difference between ‘cemetery’ and ‘graveyard’?

Popular in Wordplay

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek

Did Orange the Fruit or the Color Come First?

Why Is the Letter ‘Z’ Associated With Sleeping?

The Words of the Week - Feb. 13

Why do we call it 'ides of March'?

Popular

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek

Did Orange the Fruit or the Color Come First?

Games & Quizzes