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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.

Left untreated, the infestation can be deadly, and the parasites can quickly spread.

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

Published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, the study provides fresh insight into how parasites adjust their sensory systems when their lifestyles change dramatically.

From Science Daily • Jun. 2, 2026

“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

The more one contemplates the hot viruses, the less they look like parasites and the more they begin to look like predators.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston