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parasites

NOUN

something that exists by taking from or depending on another

Synonyms

STRONG

barnacle bloodsucker bootlicker deadbeat dependent flunky freeloader groupie hanger-on idler leech scrounger sponge stooge sucker sycophant taker

Antonyms

WEAK

blessing

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“The Spartans might be . . . viewed as parasites, feeding off the forced labor of their helots,” he opines.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 25, 2026

According to the WHO, there have been reports this year of some 111,500 cases of disease or infestation due to external parasites.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

While viral infections are the most common cause in the United States, bacteria, parasites and fungi can also cause the condition.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026

The closest comparison comes from marine ecosystems, where fish visit "cleaning stations" to have parasites removed by smaller species.

From Science Daily • Apr. 14, 2026

As a rule, viruses, microbes, and parasites do not kill the majority of their victims—the pest that wipes out its host species has a bleak evolutionary future.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann